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The Arch of Aquitaine

During the embellishment and urban development of Bordeaux in the 18th century the king’s administrator Tourny commissioned the architect André Portier to replace the medieval city gates by monumental triumphal arches more in phase with the city’s new prosperity. Erected between 1754 and 1756, the Porte d’Aquitaine (which replaced the old Porte Saint Julien destroyed in 1744) is surmounted by a triangular fronton with the arms of the city facing the rue Sainte Catherine and...

Tram B, Victoire

The Arch of Aquitaine

During the embellishment and urban development of Bordeaux in the 18th century the king’s administrator Tourny commissioned the architect André Portier to replace the medieval city gates by monumental triumphal arches more in phase with the city’s new prosperity. Erected between 1754 and 1756, the Porte d’Aquitaine (which replaced the old Porte Saint Julien destroyed in 1744) is surmounted by a triangular fronton with the arms of the city facing the rue Sainte Catherine and two sea divinities representing the river and agriculture sculpted by Claude Francin (1701-1773) on the south facing side.

The Obelisk

With the implementation of the new tramline opened in 2004, city traffic has been diverted south of the square leaving a large expanse for terraces and pedestrians. Inaugurated on 17th June 2005, the 16 metre high pink marble obelisk occupies the spot where in the old days a modest wrought iron clock tower used to mark the centre of the square. The twisted four-sided column with its two false bronze doors bespangled with references to wine and the vine is the creation of the Czech sculptor, Ivan Theimer.