The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris, France. Located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, it was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon Bonaparte to honor those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
History
- Commission: Following the victory at Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, Napoleon ordered the construction of the Arc de Triomphe to celebrate the military might of France.
- Architect: The design was by Jean Chalgrin, who took inspiration from ancient Roman architecture, particularly the Arch of Titus in Rome.
- Construction: The work began in 1806 but was not completed until 1836 due to various delays, including the change of regimes and financial difficulties. The monument was finished under the reign of King Louis-Philippe.
- Inauguration: It was inaugurated on July 29, 1836, for the funeral of General Jean Maximilien Lamarque.
- Memorials: Beneath the Arc de Triomphe is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, which was added in 1920 to honor the unidentified French soldiers who died during the conflict.
Architecture and Features
- Size: The monument stands at 50 meters (164 feet) high, 45 meters (148 feet) wide, and 22 meters (72 feet) deep.
- Decorations: The Arc de Triomphe is adorned with numerous sculptural groups, reliefs, and inscriptions.
- Frise de la Marseillaise: A frieze by François Rude depicting the call to arms during the French Revolution.
- La Résistance: A group by Antoine Étex representing the resistance of French soldiers against invaders.
- Names: Over 600 names of French generals and battles are inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces.
- View: Visitors can climb to the top for a panoramic view of Paris, including sights like the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and the Louvre.
Events and Significance
- The Arc de Triomphe has been the site of numerous historic events, including the victory parades of French armies and the passage of the German army in 1940 during the occupation of France.
- It plays a central role in national celebrations like Bastille Day, where military parades march down the Champs-Élysées and pass under the arch.
- In 2018, Christo and Jeanne-Claude famously wrapped the Arc de Triomphe in fabric for their art installation, which was an event that attracted international attention.
Visitor Information
- The Arc de Triomphe is accessible to the public, with an underground passage allowing visitors to reach the monument safely from the surrounding traffic circle.
- Tickets can be purchased for access to the museum and the rooftop terrace.
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