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Saint-Denis gate: king Louis XIV and his really big ego

The gate | Parsifall / CC-BY-SA
Arch Louis XIV Saint-Denis gate in Paris

This triumphal arch was raised for Louis XIV. It commemorates the king's victories in Holland and on the river Rhine.

It was built in order to mark the entrance of Paris: at the same time, they demolished the old fortifications which surrounded the city.

The St-Denis gate, 23 metres high, was put up in 1762 by François Blondel. By order of the provost and against the will of the architect, they opened small doors in the pedestals, so the pedestrians could pass through!

About the the author

Vinaigrette
I'm fond of strolls and History, with juicy and spicy details!