Porte Noire & Square Castan
Porte Noire
A 2nd-century Roman triumphal arch and remains of a Roman colonnade, bearing witness to Besançon's ancient name, Vesontio.
The Porte Noire was built around AD 175 in the time of Marcus Aurelius. It takes its name from the blackening of its stone over the centuries. The reliefs on the arch were restored in recent years, and it stands right next to Saint-Jean Cathedral. Square Castan, beside it, preserves a row of Roman columns and sections of an aqueduct. In the 19th century it was landscaped into a romantic English-style garden, and in summer it often hosts open-air concerts and theatre. Free to visit at any time of day, it makes a convenient stop before or after the cathedral.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Victor Hugo's Birthplace
- Besançon Cathedral & Astronomical Clock
- Musée du Temps (Palais Granvelle)
- Cité des Arts et de la Culture
- Doubs River Cruise
- Parc Micaud
- Citadel of Besançon
- Grande Rue & Old Town