Porte Guillaume

Sometimes referred to as "Dijon's triumphal arch", this triumphal gate was built in the 18th century. However, its origins go back much further, to the time when the city was surrounded by walls, on top of which the monument was built. It was from these remains that the present gateway was rebuilt in the 18th century.
It was named Porte Guillaume in honour of Guillaume de Volpiano, abbot of the Abbey of Saint Bénigne. In the 11th century, he helped to build the abbey, which was later converted into a cathedral and is located nearby.
On either side of the arch, you will also find various bas-reliefs sculpted by Claude-François Attiret, an 18th-century sculptor from the Franche-Comté region, in honour of the Condé family. On the rue de la Liberté side is the Muse, representing History, and an allegory of the city of Dijon, recalling the mark left by the Condé family. On the Place Darcy side, you can see a genie presenting the arms of the Princes de Condé to Burgundy and another a document to Minerva: a way of evoking the family's benevolence to the province, thanks to the wisdom of its government.
The monument also features a curious plaque in tribute to Thomas Jefferson, symbolising Franco-American friendship.
Access: By tram, Darcy stop.