There are so many places that can visit in Montpellier, one of the most famous cities in France, it hard to imagine that you should go to Paris without taking a day or two when to visit Montpellier. In this place, history is basically alive with all the places that you can visit. There are natural and man made sites that will make you need a competent tourist guide to know them all. Right from the start, you’ll be at awe with what you see.
When we say “awe right from that start” the town is not joking. Upon entering the city you’ll be able to pass the historic Porte du Peyrou. If you think that Paris is the only city in the world that has their own Arc de Triomphe, you’re definitely wrong. This gate was built in at the late of the 17th century and was finished in 1692. Even though its not as big as in Paris’ you’ll still be at awe on how can they create this beautiful architecture.
The design of the arc follows the traditional Doric Style. The design developed by the Greeks for beauty and its sturdiness has been know to last for centuries. The arc is a living proof that the design really works and the genius who designed the arc was Charles-Augustin Daliver.
If you take a closer look at the arc, you’ll be able to see inscriptions. These inscriptions were placed almost the same time as it was built. If you can read Latin, you’ll be able to understand what they are talking about. Remember that this is an “Arc de Triomphe” that means, this arc was created as a celebration of an event or the coming of important persons from a great journey. The arc in Montpellier was created not only for one event but for four events. However it was not really to commemorate those events but to honor the King who was instrumental to those events that was carved in the arc. King Louis XIV of France is honored by the people of Montpellier. He was able to muster his people to do the things and do something about these events. The king didn’t do it once or twice but the King was able to these things for four times. Any other king would already be on a problem after bringing their men to continuous activities. He can really get something done as a King.
There are four victories that are carved in the arc. They are written in the known language of the time, Latin. The first major event that was written was a war victory, during the War of Grand Alliance. In this war, they were able to capture Namur. It also wrote of their victory against the Dutch. The next writing is about the dressing of Louis XIV as Hercules. It also commemorated the creation of Canal Du Midi. This canal has become the link of the Mediterranean Sea and Bay of Biscay. Lastly is the deactivation of the Edict of Nantes.
See? Right from the start you’ll be at awe with what you’ll see and you haven’t entered Montpellier yet.