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Porte Guillaume: Dijon's Triumphal Arch

Discover Dijon's iconic 18th-century triumphal arch, the Porte Guillaume, a gateway to history and architectural elegance in the heart of Burgundy.

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The Porte Guillaume, also known as William Gate, is a notable 18th-century monument in Dijon, France, marking the entrance to the city center. Built between 1786 and 1788, it stands on the site of a former medieval gate and is celebrated for its neoclassical design and historical significance.

A brief summary to William Gate

Local tips

  • Visit during the day to see the architectural details illuminated by natural light.
  • Explore Place Darcy, the square surrounding the gate, filled with cafes, shops, and gardens.
  • Take photos during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for the best lighting.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like the Ducal Palace and the Museum of Fine Arts.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Dijon Ville train station, walk straight along Avenue de la Gare. Continue until you reach Rue de la Liberté, a pedestrian shopping street. Follow Rue de la Liberté to Place Darcy, where the Porte Guillaume is located. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Dijon Ville train station, take tram line T1 towards Darcy. Get off at the Darcy stop, which is directly in front of Place Darcy and the Porte Guillaume. Tram tickets cost €1.70 and can be purchased from machines at the tram stop.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at the Dijon Ville train station. A taxi ride to Porte Guillaume takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between €10-€15.

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Discover more about William Gate

The Porte Guillaume, often referred to as Dijon's triumphal arch, is a historical landmark that welcomes visitors to the heart of the city. Constructed between 1786 and 1788 by architect Jean-Philippe Maret, it was originally named Porte Condé in honor of Prince Louis V Joseph de Bourbon-Condé, the governor of Burgundy. The gate stands on the site of a 12th-century medieval gateway that was part of Dijon's defensive walls. The monument's neoclassical design features a large, single arch adorned with intricate relief carvings and framed by elegant sculptural details. The carvings include depictions of cherubic figures symbolizing virtues and ideals. On the Place Darcy side, bas-reliefs by Claude-François Attiret depict a genie presenting the arms of the Prince de Condé to Burgundy and another showing a genie presenting a document to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. The other side of the arch, facing Rue de la Liberté, features the Muse of History and an allegory of the city of Dijon. During the French Revolution, the gate was briefly renamed Arc de la Liberté. In the 19th century, it was renamed Porte Guillaume, in reference to Guillaume de Volpiano, abbot of the Abbey of Saint Bénigne. Today, the Porte Guillaume stands as a symbol of Dijon, representing its rich history and architectural heritage.

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