Then and now
Commissioned by Napoléon I to commemorate his military
conquests, the Arc de Triomphe was the world’s largest
triumphal arch when it was finally completed in 1836. Architect
Jean François Thérèse Chalgrin’s creation is twice the size
of the ancient Roman Arch of Constantine after which it is
modeled. Work on the Arch stopped when Napoléon was
defeated in 1814, but started up again in 1833 in the name
of King Louis-Philippe I, who dedicated it to the glory of the
French armed forces.
Seen as an emblem of French patriotism, the Arc de Triomphe
is engraved with the names of war victories and 558 generals
(those who died at war are underlined). An Unknown Soldier is
buried under the arch and an eternal flame of remembrance,
lit since 1920, commemorates victims of the world wars.
Each of the Arc’s pillars is adorned with one of four large
sculptural reliefs: The Departure of the Volunteers in 1792
(aka La Marseillaise), Napoléon’s Triumph of 1810, Resistance
of 1814 and Peace of 1815. The simple design and immense
size of the Arc de Triomphe are typical of late 18th-century
romantic neoclassicism.
The observation deck at the top of the Arch still offers some
of the best views in Paris. At the summit of 284 steps, you can
see much of the city and take in the spectacular panoramas
of La Défense, the Champs Elysées and the Sacré Coeur.
On national holidays like Armistice Day and Bastille Day, the
decorated Arc de Triomphe always features at the beginning
or end of the parade or celebration.
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