Paris Gate, Triumphal arch and city gate in Lille, France.
The Paris Gate is a monumental arched passage in Lille with dual facades and a stone-vaulted hall at its center. Carved figures of angels, Mars, and Hercules decorate its stone exterior, adding symbolic power to the structure.
Louis XIV commissioned this monumental entrance following the siege of Lille in 1685. Architect Simon Vollant completed the work in 1692.
The gate stands as a symbol of French power and royal glory during the reign of Louis XIV. The carved figures adorning its sides speak of triumph and authority, immediately visible to anyone passing through.
The gate is easily accessible on foot through Lille's historic district and allows passage through its central vaulted hall. Visitors should note that the surrounding area features steep streets and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The structure did not always stand in this location: it replaced an earlier gate called the Gate of the Sick. In the 1890s it underwent substantial rebuilding by architect Louis-Marie Cordonnier, transforming its appearance.
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