Arc de Triomphe-Paris Gate-France-History and Facts

Image from wikimedia by Rutgar van der Maar.

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Arc de Triomphe or Arch of Triumph of Paris-France.

“Triumphal Arch”, “Arc de Triomphe” simply “Victory Arch of Paris”, in France, has witnessed many political developments since its coming into existence. This lovely monument of France is located in the city of Paris at the Place Charles de Gaulle. Earlier, it was known as Place de l’Etoile.

Built during 19^th Century as a symbol of victory, Arc de Triomphe has been dedicated to the memory of soldiers (known and unknown) who died in wars. This grand gate has a special importance to the French National celebration like National Day of France (also called Bastille Day), organized every year.

You may like to read also about a monumental historical complex of Qutub Minaret, New Delhi, India.

What is Arc de Triomphe:

The Arc de Triopmphe (Arch Gate of Victory) is a historical arch building, standing bold and tall in Paris, France.
L’Arc de Triomphe was earlier known as Place de l’Etoile at Place Charles de Gaulle.
Arc de Triomphe is a symbol of victory and it is dedicated to commemorate the soldiers who died in the World War I.
The names of some known soldiers have been written on the wall of the arch.
The Arc de Triomphe was the tallest triumphal arch (50 meter) until the construction of the “Monumento a la Revolucion” in Mexico City in 1938 (67 meters), “Arch of Triumph” in Pyongyang in 1982 (60 m), “La Grande Arche in La Defense” near Paris (110 m).

Arc de Triomphe Paris! Image Courtesy wikimedia by by Kimberly Vardeman

Importance of Arch de Triomphe:

Arc de Triomphe is an important site of National importance as National Day of France is celebrated with great passion and high zeal, on 14 July, every year. The military parade is the main attraction here on National Day.
The National Day of France is known with many names like “La Fete Nationale” or “Le Quatorze Juillet”, but most commonly it is known as the Bastille Day in English.
There is the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” beneath the Arch, in commemoration and respect of soldiers who died in First World War.
A ceremony is held at the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” every year on 11 November on the anniversary of the Armistice Day.
An eternal flame lit has been placed under the Arc of Triomphe on Armistice Day, on 11 November 1923.
Today, Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous tourist attractions of France.
The site is visited by tourists from France, Europe and other countries of the world, and it is known for its beautiful architecture, history and grand size.

Also read about a gate like Arc de Triomphe in New Delhi known as “India Gate”.

What is Bastille Day/National Day of France:

Bastille Day is the National Day of France. Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14 every year.
Historically, Bastille was a fortress guarding the eastern entrance of Paris city during 14th century.
Later on, especially during 17^th and 18^th century, the fortress began to be used as a state prison and detention center of France.
On July 14, 1789 AD, the Bastille fortress was stormed by dissenting mob, led to freeing prisoners and marking this event as starting point of French Revolution.
At present the site of Bastille fortress has become one of the happening centers of Paris including world famous “Opera Nationale de Paris” (Opera Bastille), July Column, restaurants and shopping centers.

When did Arc de Triomphe build:

The construction of Arc de Triomphe was started on 15 August 1806 CE.
Arc de Triumphe, completed in July 1836 CE, during the reign of King Luis-Philippe.
The Arc de Triomphe got inaugurated on 29 July 1836.

Who Built Arc de Triomphe:

The Arc de Triomphe or Victory Arch in Paris, was commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 AD as a tribute to his victories as Emperor in France.
This Victory Gate was completed in 1836 AD. Unfortunately, Napoleon had died before its completion and could not see the finished gate.
It took a period of 30 years to complete the building of Arch of Triumph of Paris. (including some halt while construction)

Who was Napoleon?

Popularly known as Napoleon, his full name was Napoleon Bonaparte, also known as Napoleon I.
Napoleon born on 15 August in 1769 on the island of Corsica.
Napoleon was a military man, swiftly rose to higher ranks of the military during the French Revolution (1789-1799).
As a French military leader, he seized political power in France in 1799, through coup d’etat.
Napoleon crowned himself as emperor of France in 1804 AD.
He was an ambitious military leader and expanded his empire, conquering much of Europe in early 19th century.
Napoleon died on 5 May, 1821 at the age of 52, in exile on the island of Saint Helena.
On 15 December 1840 AD, Napoleon’s remains was brought back to France from Saint Helena, passed respectfully under the Arc de Triomphe on the way to his final resting place at les Invalides.

Architecture of Arc de Triomphe:

The architectural design of Arc de Triomphe is Neoclassical in its style.
The architecture fall in the category of Triumphal Arch, and the Arc de Triomphe is highly inspired by the ancient Roman architecture.

Architect of Arc de Triomphe of Paris:

Jean Chalgrin and Louis-Etienne de Thury were the main architects of Arc de Triomphe.
They were assigned with this project in 1806 AD by Emperor of France, Napoleon I.
Later on the construction of Arc the Triomphe was joined by architect Goust and finally completed by the architect Jean-Nicolas Huyot in 1836 CE.

Height and Dimension:

The height of Triumphal Arch of Paris is 50 meter (154 feet).
The width of Arc de Triomphe is 45 meter (148 feet).
The depth of Arc de Triomphe is 22 meter (72 feet).

Also read Jama Masjid, Delhi, India.

Why it was called “the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile”

In French language “Etoile” means “star”. The Arc de Triomphe is surrounded by a large roundabout circle radiating off 12 thoroughfares and roads.
An aerial view of the circle of Arc de Triomphe looks like sun (star) and the 12 thoroughfares look like radiating 12 rays of light.
Sun is a star, therefore, it was known as “l’Etoile” or the “Star”.
Arc de Triomphe is situated in the center of main east-west busy road axis of Paris.

l’Etoile Paris France! Image courtesy wikimedia by BiblioArchives/LibraryArch

A visit to Arc de Triomphe or reading about such a beautiful monument is quite interesting and useful. Arc de Triomphe is one of the World Heritages listed by UNESCO. You can go on the top of Arc de Triomphe and take a beautiful view of Paris City from its top.