Porte Saint Denis dates back to the 17th century and is situated in the 10th arrondissement. It pays tribute to Louis XIV's victories in the Rhine and France-Comte, and stands near the site of the former medieval gate of the same name. The medieval gate was part of Charles V's city walls which were built in the 14th century around Paris. As the city expanded the city walls were dismantled and the fortified gates were replaced by triumphal arches.
The Port Saint Denis was the gate where the kings of France would pass through on their return to Paris from religious services at the Saint Denis basilica. The last sovereign to pass through the triumphal arch was Queen Victoria on her visit to the 1855 Universal Exhibition in Paris.
