Porte Noire, Roman triumphal arch in Besançon, France.
The Porte Noire rises 16.56 meters high with two meters depth, featuring weathered stone decorations and mythological reliefs across multiple levels.
Built between 171 and 175 AD during Marcus Aurelius reign, this Gallo-Roman arch commemorates victories against the Parthians with scenes of the Ctesiphon capture.
The monument displays sculptures of Greek and Roman mythology figures, including the Dioscuri, Daedalus, Icarus, and Theseus, carved in Vergenne stone.
Located on Rue de la Convention in Besançon, the arch remains open for visitors throughout the year from January through December.
The structure transformed from a ceremonial entrance for Italian travelers into a defensive city gate during the third century invasion period.
Location: Besançon
GPS coordinates: 47.23413,6.03020
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:43
The monuments and historical buildings of Besançon reflect 2000 years of architecture. The Vauban citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, overlooks the old town. The center houses Saint-Jean Cathedral with its astronomical clock, Granvelle Palace with its Museum of Time, as well as numerous civil, religious, and military buildings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The squares, parks, and quays lining the Doubs complement this architectural ensemble.
Besançon Cathedral
64 m
Birthhouse of Victor Hugo
107 m
Astronomical clock of Besançon
75 m
Square Castan
68 m
Maison natale des frères Lumière
129 m
Ecclesiastical Province of Besançon
65 m
Palais archiépiscopal de Besançon
33 m
Château d'eau de la source d'Arcier
103 m
Hôtel Boistouset
23 m
Hôtel Alviset
108 m
Hôtel de Clermont
214 m
Fontaine Saint-Quentin
72 m
Chapelle de la Visitation de Besançon
224 m
Hôtel de Sorans
113 m
Hôtel Camus
216 m
Vestiges archéologiques
61 m
Fontaine de la place Jean-Cornet
229 m
Orant du cardinal Louis François Auguste de Rohan-Chabot
64 m
Maison, 133 Grande Rue
149 m
Maison, 4 rue de la Convention
69 m
Maison, 131 Grande Rue
186 m
Maison, 131bis Grande Rue
186 m
Immeuble, 20 rue Ernest-Renan
120 m
Maison, 135 Grande Rue
135 m
Maison, 129 Grande Rue
193 m
Maison, 8 rue des Martelots
148 m
Maison, 10 rue Rivotte
160 m
Statue du cardinal Mathieu dans la cathédrale de Besançon
64 mReviews
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