Arc de Triomphe, Paris

The Arc is a superb monument, one of the finest in Europe. It’s solid mass at the head of the Champs-Elysees is both grand and elegant at the same time. One of the great city monuments and one that is not to be missed. The Arc de Triomphe was much larger than I had expected. Although inspired by Emperor Napoleon’s victory in a battle, it actually honours those who fought for France in the Napoleonic Wars. On the inside and the top of the arc there are names of generals and wars fought. Underneath the Arc is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War One. In fact in one of our visit the Arc was closed as an official ceremony was being held near the tomb.

The Arc de Triomphe Paris, the most monumental of all triumphal arches, was built between 1806 and 1836. Even though there were many modifications from the original plans, reflecting political changes and power struggles, the Arch still retains the essence of the original concept, which was a powerful, unified ensemble. The Arc de triomphe was begun in 1806, on the orders of Napoleon I to honour the victories of his Grand Army.

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle. It’s located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. The arches whole decorative style is entirely of the tradition of sculpture from the first half of the nineteenth century.
The triumphal arch is in honour of those who fought for France, in particular, those who fought during the Napoleonic Wars. There are inscriptions in the ground underneath the vault of the arch, which include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I where the Memorial Flame burns and have made the Arc de Triomphe Paris a revered patriotic site for French nation.

 

This place does amaze you that how Grand the whole area is and most of all it is a very significant place for Parisians.

 

 


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