Just beside Vallon des Auffes in the boulevard of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, is one of the most impressive monuments of Marseille.
Monument aux morts de l’Armée d’Orient et terres lointaines (Monument to the deaths of the Armies in the East and in the distant lands) or La Porte d’Orient (The Gate of East) was erected in 1927 by the architect Gaston Castel who also reconstructed the Municipal Opera and the prison of Baumettes. The statue was inaugurated by Gaston Doumergue, the president of France, and was created to commemorate the soldiers of all faiths who died for France in North Africa during World War I.
The monument designed as "a portico in the sky" is absolutely captivating because of its proportions, site and the message that it conveys. It is highly recommended to watch the sunset here since the monument offers breathtaking view to the sea.
Monument aux morts de l’Armée d’Orient et terres lointaines
Square du Lieutenant Danjaume, Corniche Kennedy, 13007 Marseille