Saint Dionysius Gate has the shape of a triumphal arch. It stands in the place of the former gate in the Paris defensive walls. On its walls the title of Ludwik Wielki (Ludovico Magno) and reliefs depicting French victories in the Netherlands were placed.
The gate was built in the 17th century on the order of Louis XIV. Its creation is associated with the demolition of the medieval city walls of Paris and the new urban layout of the city. The king decided that the first of the gates that were to symbolize the old walls would be dedicated to his victories over the Dutch and the crossing of the Rhine.
The arch was designed by Francois Blondel. The heavy, classicizing building is crowned with a cornice and attic. Below on the southern wall is the allegory of crossing the Rhine, while on the northern wall is the welcome of Ludwik by the residents of Maastricht.
Attractions inside
