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Origin and history

The Bazée Gate, also known as Collatice Gate (Collatitia), was originally a monumental arch erected in the third century to the glory of Durocortorum (Ancient Reims), marking the southern entrance of the city on the cardus maximus. It formed a north-south axis with the gate of Mars and served as the starting point for the Caesarea way leading to Rome. Its present name, porta Basilicaris, comes from its proximity to the basilicas of the suburbs, including Saint-Rémi, and its bas-relief representing a triton, Cupid and Venus, described by Dom Marlot.

During the barbaric invasions, the gate was integrated into the fortified walls of Reims. Part of his stones, as well as elements of the Cenotaph in Caius and Julius (discovered during excavations in 1971), were used again to strengthen defences. The road then passed under his western arcade. Its importance declined when the urban enclosure was extended southward in the 13th-14th centuries. The remaining arcade was destroyed in 1753 during work on water additions, but carved reliefs preserved its memory.

Today, a pile vestige remains in the refectory of the University College (30 rue de l'Université). This fragment, classified as a historical monument on January 30, 1981, illustrates the urban transformations of Reims, from the upper Roman Empire to medieval reuse. The gate also symbolizes the link between the ancient city and its Christian heritage, with the nearby Saint-Rémi Basilica.

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