The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, is perhaps the most famous triumphal arch of which exist today, and the second highest in the world, surpassed only by the arch built in North Korea in 1982 to commemorate the 70th birthday its leader Kim Il-Sung.

Photography by marsupilami92

The Parisians called L’Etoile, and revere him as a symbol of French national spirit, is one of the most important sights of Paris. Located in the center they say is the world’s largest roundabout on Place Charles de Gaulle, Place de l’Étoile before, west of the Champs Elysees. The arch honors those who died fighting for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, and since 1920 also houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The history of the Arc de Triomphe is rich in events of war. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor the French army shortly after his victory at Austerlitz, after promising his men: «You will return home under triumphal arches.» Jean Chalgrin designed it obviously inspired by Roman architecture, especially in the Arch of Titus, located in the public arena of the eternal city. Its construction was completed in 1836, 15 years after the death of the emperor. It reaches a height of 51 meters and 45 meters wide.

Around the inside of the arch are carved the names of major victories won during the period of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, are inside the walls. Underlined names are in general killed in action.

Photography by Guillaume Cattiaux

The Arc de Triomphe is of colossal dimensions, and the proof is that in 1919, three weeks after the military parade to commemorate the French victory in World War I, Charles Godefroy driver passed under the arch with his biplane. The monument has served more often as military command, both French and Germans and allies, all of whom marched under his bow in his triumphal entry into Paris, at different times of the Second World War.

At the foot of the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, surrounded by flowers, and always accompanied by flame lit to commemorate those killed in the two world wars of the twentieth century. The associations of former combatants or victims of wars rekindle that flame every day at six-thirty in the afternoon, celebrating her memory is revived every 11 November, the anniversary of the armistice signed between France and Germany. So if you want to see this quiet and solemn ceremony, try to approach the Arc de Triomphe on the hour. Then, if the season allows it, nothing better to watch the Parisian sunset from the top of the building, are gradually seeing the twelve dark streets that are born or die at his feet. Will undoubtedly be one of us will bring lasting memories of our visit to Paris.

Tips:

Access to the monument is made through an underground pedestrian tunnel is in the direction of the Champs Elysees. Do not even think through the roundabout on foot, is very dangerous.

Inside Arc de Triomphe will find a small museum documenting its history and construction. You can access the entrance to the monument. From the roof of the building are spectacular views of Paris, the best there is in the capital gala, along with the Eiffel Tower and the district of Mont-matre. Looking to the east along the Champs-Elysees toward the Louvre, we see the Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, smaller. In the opposite direction to the west, we can see in the distance the last and largest arch, the Arch of Defense, opened in 1990. The ceiling is reached after climbing a bunch of stairs, assembly of patience because it’s worth.

Good trip to Paris!