Address: France, Paris, Place Charles de Gaulle (Place des Stars)
Start of construction: 1806
Completion of construction: 1836
Architect: Jean Chalgrin
Height: 49.51 m.
Width: 44.82 m.
Coordinates: 48°52′26″N 2°17′41″E
Short description
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is one of the greatest monuments history and architecture, which any more or less literate inhabitant of our planet knows about.
It is located in the legendary eighth arrondissement of the French capital, on a square called Place Charles de Gaulle, or Place des Stars. If we look at these two names, it becomes clear that one of them was given to the square in honor of the great commander of the Second World War, but the Square of the Star was named because of the twelve even rays of avenues that diverge from it in different directions of Paris. One of these twelve avenues is the famous Champs Elysees.
View of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris was built over 30 years from 1806 to 1836. Its construction began on the orders of the greatest French conqueror and strategist Napoleon Bonaparte. Paris was supposed to become a symbol of the great victories of the emperor and the man who “redrew” the map of the Old World along with his fearless army. True, Napoleon made the decision to build the arch back in 1805, inspired by his own talent as a military strategist, who helped him win a difficult victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. The project for the future historical monument was developed by the architect Jean Chalgrin, who, alas, was not able to see his brainchild with his own eyes: he died back in 1811. However, the great Arc de Triomphe, which is one of the main attractions of Paris, immortalized his name for posterity.
Arc de Triomphe... People have been accustomed to this name for a long time. By the way, Paris is not the only city where you can see a triumphal arch.
Bird's eye view of the Arc de Triomphe
There are quite a few of them, however, they are not as famous as the one located in the center of the “12-pointed Star”. Let's be honest, not everyone knows the origin of the word “triumph”: where it first appeared, what it means, and why the arch in Paris is called Triumphal. The word "triumph" comes from the Latin language, and became widespread in the Great Roman Empire. Triumph meant the entry of the great commander and his army into the capital in victory.
Moreover, the victory had to be won unconditionally, quickly and with the least losses for triumph. Triumph is also the commander’s most precious reward, without which he could not call himself and his legion great. Only after his Triumph was Gaius Julius Caesar taken seriously by the people and recognized as a great emperor. It is from the times of the Roman Empire that the word “triumph” dates back to its history, and the arches through which commanders and their armies passed began to be called triumphal.
View of the Arc de Triomphe from Avenue de la Grande-Arme
History of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
As mentioned above, the architect Jean Chalgrin, who developed the design of the Arc de Triomphe, died almost immediately after laying the foundation of the future structure. The construction of the structure was constantly suspended, as the emperor began to suffer defeats on the battlefields. It is for this reason that the arch took so long to build.
Napoleon himself did not live to see his great Triumph: all work on the arch was completed in 1836, already at that time Louis Philippe ruled France. The work was led by a new architect, Abel Blouet. However, the dream of the great warrior, or, as many call him, the tyrant, nevertheless came true. In December 1840, a cortege passed under the arches carrying a coffin containing the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte, who died far from Paris on the island of St. Helena in early May 1821. Not only Napoleon was awarded this honor: under the arches designed to celebrate the Triumph, coffins with the bodies of Victor Hugo, Gambetta, Lazare Carnot and other equally famous personalities later stopped.
Arc de Triomphe in Paris side view
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, alas, became a symbol of triumph not only for outstanding military commanders, writers and rulers of France. In 1940, a procession of fascist invaders passed through the Arc de Triomphe, to whom Paris surrendered with virtually no resistance in order to somehow preserve priceless historical and architectural monuments. Hitler knew very well the meaning of the word “triumph” and what the legendary Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees meant to the French.
The dictator and evil genius of the 20th century ordered his army to march ostentatiously through the Arc de Triomphe and then march in victory along the Champs-Élysées. Thus, the Nazis once again enjoyed their own triumph, for which millions of people had to pay with their lives. But this is already a story that, by the way, Parisians do not like to remember, because for them that parade was nothing more than humiliation and shame.
Sculptural group from the side of Avenue de la Grande-Arme “The World of 1815” by sculptor Antoine Etex
Arc de Triomphe today
If we look at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris today, we can see a majestic structure, the height of which reaches almost 50 meters and the width of 44.82 meters. However, these dry numbers, naturally, cannot convey all the majesty and beauty of the arch. The architect's project was brought to life in an antique style. Glory and triumph are symbolized by beautiful maidens with wings who blow fanfares.
These sculptures on the arch were made by the architect Jean-Jacques Pradier, born in Switzerland, who at one time was awarded the Rome Prize for his achievements not only in sculpture, but also in painting. On the arch you can also see a sculpture called “Marseillaise”, which symbolizes the protest of volunteers against the Prussian army, which captured Lorraine. The “Triumph of 1810” also attracts attention - this sculpture by Cortot, dedicated to the signing of the Peace of Vienna in 1815. The arch is decorated with both the “Peace” and “Resistance” sculptures, owned by Etex.
Sculptural group from the Champs Elysees side “Marseillaise” by sculptor Rud
The last sculptor is known only in narrow circles; he, alas, never received world recognition, although his creations adorn the legendary Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
A tourist viewing the arch will certainly see on its walls the names of bloody battles that were won by France at various times. The names of the greatest French commanders are forever engraved on it. The arch itself is surrounded by one hundred pedestals connected to each other by heavy chains made of durable cast iron. This is not just a decoration or a fence for a Paris landmark.
It is one hundred pedestals that are intended to symbolize the “hundred greatest days” of the reign of the empire of Napoleon Bonaparte. In the arch itself there is also an interesting, albeit small, building in which the museum is located: in it, the visitor can get acquainted with the history of construction and learn about the triumphal processions that took place under the Arc de Triomphe.
Sculptural group from the Champs Elysees side “Triumph of 1810” by sculptor Cortot
Even if you get acquainted with the Arc de Triomphe in Paris without the help of a guide, it is impossible not to pay attention to the grave under its arches. It is not the greatest ruler or commander who is buried there: in 1921, an ordinary ordinary soldier was buried there, who died on the battlefield during the First World War, whose name still remains unknown. All visitors to the greatest architectural monument are invited to climb the arch, from which you can enjoy the panorama of Paris. Naturally, the view from a 50-meter height cannot be compared with what can be seen from the Eiffel Tower, but it can delight any tourist. A traveler who comes to Paris for an experience should definitely know that the best way to get to the Arc de Triomphe is through numerous underground passages, since the flow of vehicles near it does not stop even late at night. You can climb the arch any day of the week; it is open for tourists from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. However, to familiarize yourself with it you will have to pay a small fee of 10 euros.
Basic moments
The size of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is impressive and emphasizes its grandeur. architectural structure rises to 49.5 m, has a width of 44.8 m and a vault height of over 29 meters. Although more than 180 years have passed since its construction, the arch in the French capital remains the largest of all the Arc de Triomphe in the world.
The famous monument stands in the historical center of the city, on the square named after Charles de Gaulle. From this place, 12 avenues are laid in different directions, the most famous of them is called “Champs Elysees”. The Arc de Triomphe is visible from all sides and is visited by many French and foreign tourists all year round. The area around the monument can be considered a real place of pilgrimage, since the routes of almost all excursions in Paris pass by it.
The “Triumphal Way” leads through the Arc de Triomphe, which is also called the “Royal Prospect”. This is a series of buildings and historical monuments stretched along one axis. It starts from the Louvre, continues through the Tuileries Gardens to the Place de la Concorde, and then along the Champs Elysees leads to the arch. The Triumphal Path does not end here. It extends even further from the city center - across the Boulevard Grande Armée to the Grande Arche de la Défense. The Arc de Triomphe in Paris lies in the middle of the “Royal Prospect”, and therefore from it you can clearly see both the buildings of the historical center of the city and the ultra-modern high-rise buildings of La Défense.
Construction of the Arc de Triomphe
In 1805, the army led by Napoleon won the “Battle of the Three Emperors” near Austerlitz. The Emperor really wanted to perpetuate the triumph of his soldiers, and ordered the construction of the Arc de Triomphe in the center of Paris.
Architects have prepared several designs for the monument. According to one of them, they planned to make the monument in the form of a huge elephant, in which a museum would be built telling about the victories of the French troops. However, the emperor's attention was attracted by the project of Jean-François Chalgrin, the court architect of Napoleon I, who chose the famous single-span Arch of Titus in Rome as the prototype for the Parisian monument.
The ancient monument appeared during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, in 81 AD. The Arch of Titus stood on the ancient Via Sacred, on the southeast side of the Roman Forum. The laconic, beautiful monument served as the prototype for many Arc de Triomphe built in modern times.
Like the Roman arch, the monument in the French capital was planned to have one expressive span and powerful supports. At the behest of Napoleon, Chalgrin designed a French arch three times the size of the ancient Arch of Titus. The following year, work began on the construction of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. And five years later, the elderly author of the monument died. This happened at a time when the arch was not completed in height by only 5 meters.
The construction of the Arc de Triomphe lasted for three decades due to a series of military defeats in France. In 1806-1807, a foundation was installed under the massive monument. In 1810, the emperor's bride, Maria Louise of Austria, came to the capital of France. In honor of her visit, the wooden scaffolding of the monument under construction was decorated with a stark canvas depicting the finished arch. So Napoleon was able to see his dream in the form of a large life-size model. The architect Abel Blouet had the opportunity to complete the construction work. In 1836, when the Arc de Triomphe was finally built, the emperor who conceived it was no longer alive.
Historical events near the arch
In 1840, the ruler of France, Louis Philippe I, to please the Bonapartists, transported the ashes of Emperor Napoleon to his homeland from the place where he spent the last years of his life. The remains were taken from the remote island of St. Helens, placed on a pompously decorated funeral cortege and carried with honors under the arches of the majestic Arc de Triomphe. Today, Napoleon's ashes are located in the building of the Invalides (Rue de Babylone, 70).
Since then, solemn funerals through the Arc de Triomphe in Paris have become a national tradition. Under the famous monument passed the funeral corteges of the famous writer Victor Hugo, politicians Louis Adolphe Thiers, Lazare-Hippolyte Carnot, Patrice de MacMahon and Leon Michel Gambetta, army generals Ferdinand Foch, Joseph Joffre and Philippe Leclerc, as well as Marshal Jean de Lattre de Tassigny .
In 1921, the remains of the Unknown Soldier, who gave his life during the recent war, were moved under the Paris monument. And two years later, the Eternal Flame was installed here as a symbol of memory of all the inhabitants of France who did not return from the fields of the First World War.
Sculptural design
The solemnity of the Arc de Triomphe is determined not only by its large size, but also by its carefully executed decor - ornaments, bas-reliefs and sculptures. Two sculptural compositions face the city center (Champs Elysees). On the right is a dynamic work by the French master François Rude. It is dedicated to the performance of volunteers against the Prussian army, which entered Lorraine in 1792, and is called “Marseillaise”. On the left side, the arch is decorated with a sculptural group made by Jean-Pierre Cortot. It is called "Triumph of 1815". In the central part of this composition, the sculptor depicted the figure of Napoleon himself.
On the side of Defense (Avenue de la Grande-Armée) there are two sculptures, the author of which is the famous French artist Antoine Etex. On the left you can see the "Peace of 1815", depicting the events of the Congress of Vienna. And on the right is a composition dedicated to the events of the French resistance in 1814.
Above the four sculptures, as well as on the sides of the Arc de Triomphe, there are 6 bas-reliefs with scenes of victories won by the French. On the side of Wagram Avenue there is an image of the battle near Austerlitz (1805), where the figures of Russian soldiers are visible. This bas-relief was created by Jean-François Théodore Gescher. And on the opposite side there is a work by Carlo Marochetti. The bas-relief commemorates the battle near the town of Jemappe in Belgium, which took place between the French and Austrians in 1792.
From the city center you can see a bas-relief by Bernard Gabriel Serres or Serres the Elder, in which the Ottoman military leader Said Mustafa Pasha is presented to Emperor Napoleon. These events occurred after the French victory at the Battle of Cape Abukir in Egypt (1799). And next to it is a bas-relief with a scene of the funeral of the French general Marceau, which happened in 1796.
From the side of the monument facing the modern Quarter of Défense, bas-reliefs are visible that immortalize two famous battles: the Battle of Arcola in Italy (1796) and the battle for the Egyptian Kanob, which took place two years later.
In addition, the names of 128 battles in which the French army was victorious, as well as the names of 660 military leaders, are written on the pillars of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The names of those who died in battle have been crossed out. The monument is surrounded by massive granite pedestals, which are connected by heavy cast iron chains. They commemorate the hundred days when Napoleon reigned.
Arc de Triomphe today
Every year on July 14, a magnificent military parade ceremony is held near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Parisians and city guests lay wreaths and fresh flowers at the grave and Memorial Flame. The president of the country and the remaining veterans take part in the celebration.
Inside the Parisian landmark there is a museum of the same name, where you can learn about the history of its construction and the events that took place near the Arc de Triomphe. And at the top of the monument it was created Observation deck, very popular among tourists. The attention that this vantage point on Chaillot Hill attracts is not accidental. From here they open great views to the central part of the city and its suburbs. Having been to the top of the famous arch, you can understand why the path leading through it is called “Triumphal”.
For tourists, entrance to the observation deck and the museum exhibition is open seven days a week: from October to March from 10.00 to 22.30, and in other months - until 23.00.
How to get there
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris rises on Place Charles de Gaulle. You can get to the monument from the Paris metro station Charles de Gaulle Etoile. In addition, many city bus routes run to the square.
Triumphal arches of the world were built in honor of the most important events in the history of the state. These are symbols of military or political victories, richly decorated with bas-reliefs, sculptures and other images. Currently, the decor of these architectural creations is complemented by light.
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris was founded after the Battle of Austerlitz by order of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its construction lasted from 1806 to 1836 according to the design project of the architect Chalgrin. It is located on the Chaillot hill of the famous Champs Elysees. The first royal couple to enter Paris through the symbolic gates was the young Marie Louise along with her husband Emperor Napoleon. At that time the arch was still a wooden model.
The Arc de Triomphe, like the Eiffel Tower, is business card Paris, all tourists have heard the history of the attraction at least once. Both the history and architecture of this monument deserve special attention. Let's take a closer look at the architecture of this building.
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Memory of great victories or bas-reliefs of the Arc de Triomphe
Since the Arc de Triomphe was erected in honor of the army of Napoleon Bonaparte, a significant part of its elements tell the story of the deeds and merits of the military leaders of the French army. Thus, an impressive 5-meter frieze with bas-reliefs tells about the exploits of daredevils; in addition, above the bas-relief there is an attic, engraved with the names of 30 victories of the Napoleonic army. For example, one of the fragments of the bas-relief tells about the Battle of Jemappes (1792) when french army completely defeated the Austrian army, while occupying part of the Austrian Netherlands.
Battle of Arcola Funeral of General Marceau Battle of Austerlitz
The architect did not fail to celebrate Napoleon’s victory in Alexandria (1798); one of the bas-reliefs depicts the action of bulls on a cart carrying the Sphinx, all this is accompanied by a march (the cart is surrounded by musicians from Napoleon’s army). Characteristic of that era are images of the winners in a circle of beautiful ladies receiving all kinds of honors, which the sculptor did not fail to capture.
Battle of Aboukir Battle of Jemappe Battle of Kanob
Another bas-relief tells about the funeral of General Marceau-Degravier in 1796. Napoleon's victory over the Turks at Aboukir consolidated French power in the country of the Pyramids until 1802, as shown in the bas-relief from 1799. The significant event of 1796 - the Battle of Arcola with the Austrian army - is marked on one of the bas-reliefs of the arch, because it was in this battle that Napoleon showed his personal heroism.
Different times - different heroes
The main attention to the arch is attracted by four sculptures 12 meters high, the most impressive is the Marseillaise or Performance of the Volunteers (by F. Ryuda), created in 1792. The story of the Marseillaise tells of popular valor at a time when army officers fled before a possible war with Austria. This sculpture shows a true patriot who is ready to lay down his life for France.
The sculpture “Triumph of 1810” or the Apotheosis of Napoleon, made by the sculptor Cortot, in honor of the signing of the Vienna Peace Treaty, under the terms of which Austria, in fact, lost most of its territories and became a state dependent on France.
Resistance 1814 Marseillaise Peace 1815 Triumph 1810
“Resistance,” a sculpture from 1814 by sculptor Etex, tells the story of the fear of the capital’s inhabitants during the Battle of Paris. The sculpture “Peace” (1815) was made, like the previous one, by Etex, but symbolizing peace and grace, as evidenced by ears of corn, swords in sheaths, and a child reading a book.
Observation deck of the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is located on Place Charles de Gaulle. It attracts tourists from all over the world, primarily due to the observation deck located on the roof. Guests of the city have a unique opportunity to admire the panorama of the surrounding area from a bird's eye view and see Paris in all its glory. From this point you can clearly see the Louvre, Champs Elysees, Triumfalnaya Square, Montparnasse Tower and other equally majestic sights of the city.
To get to the roof of the building, you can use the elevator. True, it doesn't always work. It is much more interesting to get to the goal on your own, having climbed 284 steps. Only in this case can you feel the true joy of overcoming a difficult path. In addition, along the way you can buy memorable souvenirs and gifts.
In order to go up to the observation deck and enjoy the amazing views of the city, you need to purchase a ticket.
The ticket office closes 45 minutes before the end of the working day.
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is perhaps one of the most recognizable places in France. As you know, Triumphal Arches are present in many cities, for example in Moscow, London, Berlin, St. Petersburg, etc.
Such structures were installed because in those days the word “triumph” meant victory in battle. However, the arch in Paris is most famous and is historical and architectural monument peace. This is due to the history of the creation of this attraction.
The Arc de Triomphe was erected by order of Napoleon after the victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. Initially, there were many options for building an arch, but the Roman Arch of Titus became the model.
The Parisian arch, 50 meters high and 45 meters wide, took about 30 years to build, from 1806 to 1836. Such a long period is explained by the fact that the architect of this arch died almost immediately after laying the foundation, and Napoleon began to be defeated more often in his battles.
Therefore, the construction of the arch was significantly delayed; even the emperor himself was not able to see this structure. On the triumphal arch you can also see the names of the great French commanders and the names of the victorious battles of France.
How to visit the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is located on the most famous street in Paris - on Champs Elysees, from its height there is a beautiful view of this street and a number of buildings up to the Place de la Concorde.
This view was called the “Royal Perspective”; this name is still used today, since the panorama that can be observed from the height of the Arc de Triomphe can truly be called royal.
This arch stands on a par with another famous landmark of Paris - Eiffel Tower. Arriving tourists first head to these two wonderful architectural monuments.
As for visiting, everyone can admire the Arc de Triomphe at absolutely any time, since this attraction is located right at the exit from the metro. If you want to visit a museum or observation deck inside the arch, you just need to purchase a ticket, which costs about 10 euros.
The museum tells tourists about the history of the construction of the arch and about the mass processions through it. You can also visit the museum on any day, except public holidays, during which the Arc de Triomphe is unfortunately closed.
Triumphal Arch- a monument in the center of Paris on Place Charles de Gaulle (Stars).
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris was built in 1806-1836 by the architect Jean Chalgrin by order of Napoleon in honor of the victories of his “Great Army”.
History of construction
In December 1806, immediately after the Battle of Austerlitz, Napoleon ordered the construction of a triumphal arch on the Parisian Chaillot hill in honor of the military victories won by France during the Revolution and during the First Empire.
Napoleon did not live to see the construction of the Arc de Triomphe completed: it was completed only in 1836, during the reign of Louis Philippe.
Arch characteristics
The arch was built in 1806-1836 according to the design of the architect Jean Chalgrin. is located in the center of the square and has the following characteristics:
- Height 49.51 m,
- Width 44.82 m,
- The height of the vault is 29.19 m.
Sculptures on the arch
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is decorated with four sculptural groups:
- from the Champs Elysees - "Marseillaise" sc. Ryuda (right) and "Triumph 1810" sk. Corto;
- from the Avenue de la Grande-Arme - “Resistance” (right) and “Peace” sc. Etexa.
Above the arched opening there are bas-reliefs by the sculptor Jean-Jacques Pradier depicting winged maidens blowing fanfares and glorifying exploits.
On the walls of the arch are engraved the names of 128 battles won by the Republican and Imperial armies, as well as the names of 658 French military leaders.
- On the arch you can find the names of captured cities, including Moscow.
Despite the fact that Napoleon did not capture Moscow, its name is indicated instead of the village of Borodino.
- In 1840, during the reburial of Napoleon in the Invalides, the carriage with the ashes of the emperor solemnly passed under the Arc de Triomphe.
- In 1916, during the First World War, France was plagued by misfortunes, and just at that time the sword on the Marseillaise sculptural group was deflected.
- On August 17, 1919, pilot Charles Godefroy flew through the arch in a Nieuport II aircraft with a wingspan of ~8 meters.
- On January 28, 1921, the remains of an unknown soldier who died during the First World War were buried under the Arc de Triomphe. The inscription on the grave reads: “Here lies a French soldier who gave his life for his homeland, 1914 - 1918.”
Visit to the arch
The Arc de Triomphe can be visited on a guided tour - there is an observation deck at the top, which can be reached by elevator or 284 steps. The cost of visiting is ~10 euros (see the exact cost on the Arc de Triomphe website).
Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
How to get there: Metro station - Charles de Gaulle - Etoile lines 1, 2 and 6 or high-speed train RER line A
Telephone:+33 1 55 37 73 77
Working hours: daily, 10:00-23:00
Website: monuments-nationaux.fr
Arc de Triomphe in Paris on the map
GPS coordinates: 48.873785, 2.295027
Sights of Paris
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is a symbol of greatness and glory
The Arc de Triomphe, along with the Louvre, Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral and others, is one of the most famous symbols of Paris. This monumental structure is located in district No. 8 of the capital of France, on the square named after the legendary General de Gaulle. The arch owes its appearance to another figure of historical significance, Emperor Napoleon I. What suddenly prompted Bonaparte to erect such a monument? What are the dimensions of the arch? What are the features of its architecture? The answers to these and many other questions are in our article. We address it to enthusiastic travelers who dream of visiting the most beautiful capital of the world, seeing it and... dying, as the writer, poet and publicist Ilya Erenburg said about Paris.
In commemoration of great victories
On December 2, 1805, near the town of Austerlitz in Moravia, the French army decisively opposed the Russian-Austrian coalition forces. This battle went down in history as the “battle of three emperors,” since all the countries participating in the hostilities were led by emperors (in France - Napoleon I, in Russia - Alexander I, in Austria - Franz II). As a result, Napoleon's army gained the upper hand, and the inspired Bonaparte decided to erect the Arc de Triomphe in honor of the victory in this battle. Well, and at the same time glorify all your military successes. It was decided to choose Chaillot Hill as its location.
Several projects for the future monument were put on the emperor’s table. Very different. There was even one according to which the arch should have looked like... a huge stone elephant, “sheltering” inside the museum of His Majesty’s military victories. However, Napoleon was more impressed by what is called the classic version of the structure, like the Arch of Titus in Italy (Rome). They even decided to make the arched span and columns identical.
The epoch-making construction lasted exactly thirty years. The then famous architect Jean Chalgrin took up the matter. It took no less than two years to build the foundation alone. In 1810, a model of the future arch was erected on a ready-made foundation, hastily constructed from boards and rough canvas (canvas), which was decorated with decorations for the future arch. The haste was explained by the fact that the ceremonial entry into Paris of the new Empress Marie-Louise of Austria was expected - and along the Champs-Elysees. She had to see the scale of her august husband’s idea. Napoleon himself also appreciated the construction; looking at the realistic model, he could imagine what the monument would be like.
A year later, architect J.
Chalgrin died. Only some 5 meters were not enough for the arch to reach its designed height. But no one seemed to care about this anymore. Valiant victories were replaced by a series of military failures (the defeat near Moscow in 1812 alone is worth it) and it was decided to stop the work. Napoleon himself is also his own creation in its completed form: the emperor, as you know, died in 1821 on the island of St. Helena, and construction was completed in 1836. At that time, the French throne was occupied by Louis Philippe I. The completion of the work was supervised by the architect Abel Blouet.
The architectural splendor of the arch
The prototype of the Arc de Triomphe was, as we have already said, the Arch of Titus in Rome. This means that the style of the Parisian monument is antique. Its dimensions are quite considerable, which also leads to an analogy with the structures of antiquity. Judge for yourself: it extends 49.51 meters in height, 44.82 meters in width, and 29.19 meters in vault height. If you look at the corners under the arched doorway, you can see bas-reliefs depicting maidens with wings blowing a fanfare. They symbolize the glory of military victories. These allegories were embodied in stone by the sculptor Jean-Jacques Pradier.
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is decorated with four sculptural groups. They seem to emphasize the semantic purpose of the monument - not just to show off under open air, but to remind of the pages of military history of Napoleonic times. If you look at the arch from the Champs-Elysees, you will see the sculptural group “Triumph of 1810” (author - sculptor Cortot). It is dedicated to the conclusion of the peace treaty in Vienna in 1815. On the right you can see “Volunteer Performance”. The sculptor Ryud dedicated this composition, also known as “Marseillaise,” to the campaign against the Prussian troops who captured Lorraine in 1792.
Now we look from the Avenue de la Grande-Arme. On the right is the work of the sculptor Antoine Etex “The Resistance of 1814”, symbolizing the difficult and unambiguous period in the history of France, when allied troops entered Paris and Napoleon was forced to abdicate the throne.
On the left is the sculptural composition “The Peace of 1815,” also dedicated to the Vienna Peace Treaty, which restored absolutism in European countries (the Bourbons, overthrown by the revolution, were once again seated on the French throne).
The arch is also decorated with bas-reliefs. They were located on its four sides. Just like the sculptural groups, they are dedicated to various episodes of the revolutionary and imperial periods French history. There are six such bas-reliefs. They can be seen above the sculptural groups and on the sides of the monument. We begin to look again from the Champs Elysees. On the left we see a plot of how Bonaparte was presented with the Ottoman commander Said Mustafa Pasha, captured during the Battle of Abukir in July 1799 (author - sculptor Serre the Elder). On the right side is the bas-relief “Funeral of General Marceau, September 20, 1796,” the name of which speaks for itself (authorship belongs to the sculptor Lamer).
Now let's look from the side of the Avenue de la Grande-Arme, already known to us. “The Battle of Arcola, November 15, 1796” was embodied in stone by the sculptor Feucher, and the “Battle of Kanob in Egypt, July 3, 1798” was embodied in stone by his colleague Jean-Etienne Chaponier. Let's also name the side bas-reliefs: “The Battle of Jemappe, November 6, 1792” (by Carlo Marochetti) and “The Battle of Austerlitz, December 2, 1805” (the work of the sculptor Geschter). But that is not all. On the walls of the Arc de Triomphe are engraved the names of 558 outstanding military leaders of France and the names of 128 battles that different time were won by the Republican and Imperial armies.
Traditions associated with the arch
After his abdication in 1814, Napoleon I returned to the French throne on March 20, 1815, after his flight from the island of Elba. However, he did not rule for long this time, until June 20 of the same year. This period was called “one hundred days” in history. In honor of this triumphant return, 100 granite pedestals were placed around the arch, which were connected to each other with heavy cast iron chains.
There is a museum inside the Arc de Triomphe. Not as big, of course, as the authors of the unrealized project of the arch in the form of a huge elephant, and without dedication to the military victories of Bonaparte, intended. This museum is dedicated exclusively to the history of the construction of the monument and the ceremonies that took place under it. So, on December 15, 1840, Napoleon’s ashes were carried under the Arc de Triomphe (the funeral cortege brought him from St. Helena). Then it became a tradition and under the arches, with an obligatory stop, mourning ceremonies were held on the occasion of the funerals of such famous people as Victor Hugo, Thiers, Lazare Carnot, Gambetta, generals Joffre and Foch, Marshal Lattre de Tansigny, General Philippe Leclerc. And in memory of the valiant heroes of France who died in the first world war, On January 28, 1921, the remains of the Unknown Soldier were buried under the arches of the Arc de Triomphe.
- At the end of the twentieth century, signs of destruction began to appear on the Arc de Triomphe. To prevent this, the French government decided to organize restoration work. By 1989, the building was completely restored.
- The eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is lit only in the evenings, at half past seven. Experienced travelers say that it is better to visit the Arc de Triomphe at this time. In the evening there is a special aura here, they say, but there are a lot of people. But in the mornings it is not so crowded. For now, we’ll take their word for it, and when we get to Paris, we’ll see for ourselves.
- In addition to the Triumphal Arch, there are two more arches in Paris. These are the Arch of Carrousel near the Louvre and the Grand Arch in the modern business district of Défense. All three buildings form a kind of “axis” passing through the so-called Route de Triomphe - a straight road that, since the reign of Louis XIV, connected the Louvre Palace with Place de l'Etoile.
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Moscow Triumphal Gate - triumphal arch in Moscow, built in honor of the victory of the Russian people in Patriotic War 1812. As a rule, Muscovites do not use the full name of the monument and simply call it the Arc de Triomphe.
Triumphal Arch - restored monument: it was originally erected in 1829-1834 according to the project Osipa Bove on Tverskaya Zastava Square, then dismantled in 1936 during the reconstruction of the square and rebuilt in 1966-1968 on Kutuzovsky Prospekt near Poklonnaya Gora.
Triumphal Arch at Tverskaya Zastava
In 1814, when Russian and Allied troops entered Paris and peace was achieved, Russian cities began to prepare for the meeting of troops returning from France. Along their route, triumphal gates were erected in cities, and Moscow was no exception: near the Tverskaya Zastava, where the emperor was traditionally greeted with honors, they began to erect a temporary triumphal arch made of wood.
In 1826, Emperor Nicholas I ordered the construction of the Triumphal Gate in Moscow as a monument to the victory of Russian weapons, similar to the Narva Gates. triumphal gates, which were being built at that time in St. Petersburg. The development of the project was entrusted to a prominent Russian architect Osip Bova; the master developed it the same year, but the need to redevelop the area slowed down the process, and the project required changes.
The triumphal gate according to Beauvais’ new design was built in 1829-1834, with a bronze foundation slab and a handful of silver rubles “for good luck” laid at the base - which, by the way, did not help at all: construction was delayed for 5 years due to lack of funds.
The sculptural design of the arch was made by sculptors Ivan Vitali And Ivan Timofeev, who worked from Beauvais' drawings. The columns and sculptures were cast from cast iron, and the gate itself was erected from white stone from the village of Tartarovo (“Tartarov marble”) and stone from the dismantled Samotechny Canal.
On the attic of the gate there was an inscription (in Russian and Latin on different sides):
In 1899, the first electric tram line in Moscow passed right under the arch, and in 1912 and in the 1920s they were even cleaned and restored.
Unfortunately, in 1936, according to the General Plan for the Reconstruction of Moscow, the gates were dismantled to reconstruct the square. Initially, they were planned to be restored near their original location, so during dismantling they took careful measurements and preserved some sculptural and architectural elements, but in the end they did not restore the gates.
Triumphal Arch on Kutuzovsky Prospekt
In the 1960s, given the artistic value and historical significance of the gate, it was decided to return to the idea of restoring it, and in 1966-1968 a copy of it was built on Kutuzovsky Prospekt near Poklonnaya Gora and the Battle of Borodino Panorama Museum.
The project was carried out under the leadership of the architect-restorer Vladimir Libson by a group of architects (I.
Ruben, G. Vasilyeva, D. Kulchinsky). During the construction, drawings and measurements made during the dismantling of the gate were used, as well as the author’s model of the structure provided by the Museum of Architecture.
Generally Triumphal Arch on Kutuzovsky Prospekt is an external copy of its predecessor, but with a number of design changes: instead of brick, reinforced concrete was used in the construction of the walls, vaults and basement, the white stone was replaced with Crimean limestone, and it was decided not to restore the guardhouses and gratings. The surviving sculptures and design details were not used, and everything was cast from cast iron anew. In addition, the texts on the attic were changed - instead of words about Emperor Alexander I, lines from Mikhail Kutuzov’s order to Russian soldiers and an excerpt from the inscription on the mortgage board of 1829 appeared there:
In 2012, the Arc de Triomphe was restored in preparation for the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Russian Victory in the Patriotic War of 1812.
The Arc de Triomphe was placed in a park divided between oncoming traffic lanes Kutuzovsky Prospekt. In 1975, in honor of the 30th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, this square became known as Victory Square.
To date Triumphal Arch has become one of the recognizable symbols of Moscow: views of the monument are decorated with popular postcards and calendars, the arch is depicted in artists’ paintings and a large number of souvenirs with its image are produced.
You can get to the Arc de Triomphe on foot from the metro station "Victory Park" Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line.
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The Arc de Triomphe is a true symbol of Paris and the history of France. It is located on Place Charles de Gaulle (also called Place Etoile or Place des Stars) and is considered the largest in Europe.
Its height reaches 49.51 meters (vault - 29.19 meters), and width - 44.82 meters.
Story
Napoleon I Bonaparte in 1806, a year after the Battle of Austerlitz, ordered the construction of the Arc de Triomphe in honor of the revolution and military victories. We spent two years building the foundation. The architect Chalgrin was involved in the project.
In 1810, Napoleon married the Austrian princess Marie Louise. She was supposed to pass under the arches of this arch, but the structure was not yet ready. Before the celebration, an arch decoration was created from boards and canvas.
By 1811 the work was still not completed. The same year the architect who worked on the project died. By that time, another five meters of the arch had not been completed. For several years it stood unfinished in the center of Paris. Napoleon himself died in 1821 without seeing the completed project, which he had once initiated.
Under Emperor Louis-Philippe, the construction of the arch was completed thanks to the architect Abel Blouet. The year was 1836 then.
In 1840, a cortege carrying Napoleon's ashes passed under the arch. Then such mourning ceremonies were organized after the death of Victor Hugo, the world-famous French writer, politician Louis Adolphe Thiers, and General Joffre.
In 1821, a ceremony for the burial of the remains of the Unknown Soldier took place under the arch. The inscription on the slab reads: “Here lies a French soldier who died for the Fatherland in 1914 - 1918.”
Description of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Famous masters worked on the sculptural groups of the Arc de Triomphe. Among them: Jean-Jacques Pradier, Francois Rud, Jean-Pierre Cortot, Antoine Etex, Bernard Gabriel Serre, Jean-Jacques Fescher and others. All bas-reliefs and sculptural figures are made in the neoclassical style.
On the bas-reliefs under the arched doorway are winged maidens blowing fanfares. They became a symbol of glory and triumph.
On the side of the Champs Elysees there are bas-reliefs “Funeral of General Marceau” and “Presentation of a captured Turkish military commander to Napoleon Bonaparte.” From the avenue side - “The Battle of the Ancient Egyptian City of Kanob” and “The Battle of Arcola”. On the sides are the battles of Austerlitz and Jemappe.
Also on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris you can find a bas-relief depicting Napoleon Bonaparte. The Emperor appears with a laurel wreath of victory.
Below are four more sculptural groups. From the Champs-Elysees side - “Triumph of 1810” in honor of the signing of the Schönbrunn Peace and the end of the Austro-French War, as well as the most famous - “Campaign against the Prussian troops”. The sculptural group stands out from others with its expression and dynamism. It depicts warriors led by the winged goddess of victory. She became the personification of freedom, the Motherland and the revolutionary anthem “Marseillaise”. On the side of Avenue Grande Armée are the sculptures “Resistance of 1814” and “Peace of 1815”.
Around the Arc de Triomphe there are granite stones connected by chains. There are only 100 of them - exactly the same number of days that the second reign of Napoleon Bonaparte lasted.
Museum at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
There is a museum in the arch. There you will see not only exhibits related to revolutionary and military battles, but also with the help of interactive screens you can be transported to distant and significant events in history.
There is a wonderful viewing platform on the arch. To climb it, you need to climb 284 steps or take an elevator almost to the top and climb 46 steps.
On July 14, Bastille Day, a parade takes place here. It is believed that this is one of the most successful days to visit Star Square. However, the only negative is that on this day in the morning you cannot get into the arch itself.
Operating mode
The museum is open every day. Closed only on January 1, May 1, May 8 in the morning, July 14, November 11 in the morning and December 25.
- from January 2 to March 31 - from 10.00 to 22.30;
- from April 1 to September 30 - from 10.00 to 23.00;
- from October 1 to December 31 - from 10.00 to 22.30.
The cash register stops working half an hour before closing.
Ticket prices
Buy a skip-the-line ticket to visit the roof of the Arc de Triomphe:
- for adults - 12 euros;
- for students from 18 to 25 years old - 9 euros;
- for groups (more than 20 people) - 9 euros per person;
- For children and students under 17 years of age, admission is free.
How to get to the Arc de Triomphe
The arch is located on Star Square. You can get there in different ways:
- by metro on lines 1, 2 and 6 to the Charles de Gaulle - Etoile station;
- by buses No. 22, 30,31, 52, 73 and 92 to the stop “Charles de Gaulle - Etoile”;
- on a rented or personal car. Using the route on a google map you can find out how to get to the arch from Charles de Gaulle airport (travel time approximately 30-40 minutes)
You can also use the services of local taxi services - Taxi G7, Alpha Taxis, 01 Taxi, Taxis.
Arc de Triomphe on Google panorama
Arc de Triomphe on video
