The historical Arc de Triomphe is located at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris. The strategic location of Arc de Triomphe is at the border of the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissement. The Arc de Triomphe is often referred to as the Napoléon's Triumphal Arch as it was accredited by Napoleon in 1806 to memorialize his victories. This arch of triumph in Paris is one of the important landmarks of French history. The military conquests of Napoleon, the great is brilliantly carved on the Arc de Triomphe, making it one of the must see destinations in the city of Paris.
Arc de Triomphe was completed in 1836 during the rule of Louis-Philippe. The names of generals who were commanders in Napoleon's regime are engraved on the Arc de Triomphe. The arch is located at the extreme end of the Champs-Elysées. This place is a large circular square leading out to more than 12 streets of Paris. The streets are specifically named after French military leaders.
The Arc de Triomphe was designed by Jean Chalgrin. The architecture of the arc in Paris is much like that of the Arch of Titus in Rome. The triumphal arch is
|
ornamented with many intricately carved reliefs. The relief narrates Napoleon's battles. The battle of Aboukir, Battle of Austerliz, Napoleons triumph over the Turkish and the Austrians are the best illustrations made on the structure. The Departure of the Volunteers in 1792, commonly known as the Marseillaise is also one of the best reliefs carved on the arc. The arch houses 30 shields at the attic, each of them bearing the name of at least one of Napoleon's eminent battles. The arch is also home to the Grave of the Unknown Soldiers of the World War I.
From the platform at the observatory above the arch, one can get a clear view of the La Defense, the Sacré-Coeur and the Champs-Elysées. The underpasses are the best way to reach the arch, since the traffic on these streets are the busiest in Paris. As there is no elevator system in Arc de Triomphe, visitors have to climb 234 steps to reach the observatory.
The glory of the French armed forces is restored on every carving and inscription of the arc. Arc de Triomphe is standing erect on the heart of Paris, in honor of the former soldiers and the present day military troops of the country.
|
