The Arc de Triomphe is an iconic monument in Paris, located on the Place de l’Étoile. Inaugurated in 1836, it is one of the most famous and most visited landmarks in the City of Light. But what is its history and architecture?
The history of the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to celebrate the victories of the French army. Construction began in 1808 but was interrupted during the Restoration and then resumed under Louis-Philippe in 1833. The monument was inaugurated in 1836, during the reign of Louis-Philippe, after more than 30 years of work.
The monument underwent several transformations over the years, including the addition of the eternal flame in 1923, in homage to the soldiers who died during World War I. The Arc de Triomphe also became an important site for commemoration, hosting official ceremonies such as the Bastille Day parade.
The architecture of the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe stands 50 meters tall, 45 meters wide, and 22 meters deep. It is built of finely cut stone and is richly decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs.
The most famous sculpture on the Arc de Triomphe is the high-relief group “Le départ des volontaires de 1792,” also known as “La Marseillaise,” which represents an allegory of the French Republic. There are also numerous other sculptures depicting historical and mythological figures.
A 5-minute walk from the parking lot, reserve your parking spot to visit!
