The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in the world. It is a large arch located in Paris, France, at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories and is now a popular tourist attraction.
The Arc de Triomphe stands 50 meters (164 feet) high, 45 meters (148 feet) wide, and 22 meters (72 feet) deep. The arch is constructed of stone and is decorated with reliefs of battle scenes and sculptures of some of Napoleon’s generals. It is the largest triumphal arch in the world.
At the top of the arch is the Lamartine inscription, which reads: “To the glory of the French people”. On the sides of the arch are the names of all of Napoleon’s major battles, including Austerlitz, Iena, and Waterloo. On the roof of the arch is the Flamme de la Liberté, an eternal flame which was lit in 1923 to commemorate the Unknown Soldier.
History of the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories. Construction of the arch began in 1806 and was completed in 1836, although it was not officially inaugurated until 1837. The monument was designed by the French architect Jean Chalgrin.
In the 19th century, the arch was used as a platform for military parades and as a site for political demonstrations. It was also used as a rallying point for soldiers during World War I. In the 1920s, the arch was the site of several major ceremonies, including the funeral of the Unknown Soldier.
Architecture of the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a large, neoclassical arch constructed of stone and decorated with reliefs of battle scenes and sculptures of some of Napoleon’s generals. The arch is 50 meters (164 feet) high, 45 meters (148 feet) wide, and 22 meters (72 feet) deep.
Decorative Elements
The arch is decorated with a number of sculptures and reliefs, including:
- The Lamartine inscription at the top of the arch, which reads: “To the glory of the French people”
- The names of all of Napoleon’s major battles, including Austerlitz, Iena, and Waterloo, on the sides of the arch
- The Flamme de la Liberté, an eternal flame which was lit in 1923 to commemorate the Unknown Soldier, on the roof of the arch
Statues
The Arc de Triomphe also features a number of statues, including:
- The Winged Victory, which stands at the top of the arch
- The Quadriga, which is a four-horse chariot driven by a statue of Napoleon
- The Four Horses of the Apocalypse, which are four bronze horses representing the four cardinal virtues
Visiting the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is a popular tourist attraction in Paris and is open to visitors year-round. The arch is accessible by the underground passages of the Champs-Élysées and the Rue de Rivoli. Visitors can also take the stairs to the top of the arch for a panoramic view of the city.
The Arc de Triomphe is an iconic monument and a symbol of French history. It is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world and a must-see for any visitor to Paris.
