Arc du Triomphe Verified listing

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris, France. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz, it was designed to honor the French army and commemorate those who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Standing at the western end of the famous Champs-Élysées, it forms the centerpiece of the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly known as Place de l'Étoile due to the star-like formation of 12 radiating avenues.

Architecturally, the Arc de Triomphe is a neoclassical structure inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus. It stands 50 meters (164 feet) tall and 45 meters (148 feet) wide, making it one of the largest triumphal arches in the world. The monument is adorned with intricate relief sculptures depicting various battles and scenes, including "The Departure of the Volunteers" and "The Triumph of 1810." Inside the arch, the names of French generals and battles are inscribed, serving as a solemn reminder of the nation's military history.

Beneath the Arc lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, added in 1921 to honor unidentified soldiers who died in World War I. An eternal flame burns at the site, rekindled every evening in a ceremony that continues to this day. The Arc de Triomphe remains a powerful symbol of French national pride and unity. Visitors can also climb to the top for panoramic views of Paris, making it both a historical monument and a popular tourist destination.