Porte d'Aix, Marseille

Porte d'Aix, also known as Porte Royal, stands as a triumphant arch that once marked the ancient entry point to the city on the road from Aix-en-Provence. The magnificent design, crafted by Michel-Robert Penchaud, draws inspiration from the grandeur of the triumphal arches of the Roman Empire. Adorning the main facades are depictions of significant battles such as Fleurus, Héliopolis, Marengo, and Austerlitz.

The original concept for Porte d'Aix emerged in 1784, intended to honor Louis XIV and commemorate the Peace of Paris, which marked the end of the American War of Independence. However, due to political upheavals and changes in the French monarchy, the project was put on hold until 1823, when the mayor of Marseille, the Marquis de Montgrand, revived it under the royal charter from Louis XVIII. This time, the arch was meant to commemorate the victory of Louis-Antoine at the Battle of Trocadero, which led to the restoration of Ferdinand VII as the king of Spain.

In 1825, the first stone was laid with a dedication to the royal family, and three years later, the aqueduct was demolished to make way for the Place d'Aix. However, further political shifts in France disrupted the project's progress. Only under the reign of Louis-Philippe was the main construction work eventually completed in 1839. As a result, the monument's purpose evolved, no longer solely celebrating the campaign of the Duke of Angoulême but instead encompassing the broader theme of French victories.