This monumental door in the shape of a triumphal arch is the gateway to the Arsenal, then used by all workers, and now by visitors to the place.
In fact, the origin of the Arsenal wanted by Louis XIV, the Sun King dates back to 1666 under the direction of Colbert; this gate was not built until 1831 by Auguste Giral and, a nod to the late monarch, bears this name because on March 4 and October 10, the sun rises exactly in its axis.
Its shape of a triumphal arch in solid stone and its pretty ornaments in which military and rural motifs are carved. representing wreaths of plants and gladiators, warriors with anchors, harpoons, ropes ... is proof of the importance of Rochefort in the field of the navy in the 19th century.
At the top flies the flag of the Rochefort regiment, of the Royal Marine Infantry Corps (1772).
The Porte Royale du Soleil has been listed as a historical monument since June 11, 1928.