Langres, City of Art and History

GALLO-ROMAN ARCH
Listed Building - Circa 20 BC.
52000 LANGRES
GPS : 47.865179,5.330587

Tel. : 03 25 87 67 67
Fax : 03 25 87 73 33
Mail : info@tourisme-langres.com

Built some thirty years after the conquest of Gaul by Julius Caesar, this arch dignified the principal western entrance to Andematunnum – the earlier name of the town. This is the oldest preserved edifice in Langres, and it was oriented in such a way that the road coming from Reims could penetrate directly into the town. Being of little use in a defensive role, the arch was incorporated into the first fortifications, which date from the end of the third century. The twin access was also sacrificed at the same time in favour of the Hotel-de-Ville gate. As a result of its angle, projecting from the wall, it was deemed sensible to transform it into a covered tower, equipped with a guardhouse and firing slits cut into the frieze.
Until the middle of the 19th century a house rested against the arch. Following the example of other sections of the wall, the military engineers appropriated this and other houses close to the arch for demolition during restoration work. During the work the cornice crowning the arch was restored to its original condition.



Telephone mobile
03 25 87 67 67

Dates and Times of opening
Free access all the year.

Prices
No admission charge.