Paris triumphal arch on the map. Triumphal arch (Arc de Triomphe). Where is it located and how to get there

Throughout history, several arches have been built in different parts of the world, which later became famous, and Triumphal Arch in Paris is one of the monumental monuments. It rises on Charles de Gaulle Square, reminding Parisians of the glorious victories of the commander and emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, on whose initiative it was founded.

How the arch became triumphal

The concept of "triumph" came from the Great Roman Empire. It was a victorious holiday, when the legion, led by the commander, quickly and decisively defeated the enemy troops, took prisoners and collected rich booty.

Tickets for the Arc de Triomphe can be bought here

Returning to Rome, the commander was expected to be honored with a triumphant entry through the vault of the arch. The procession was opened by senators and masters, followed by an orchestra, military trophies, and then the winner himself appeared on the chariot. The crowd greeted him with applause and flowers, and then a magnificent celebration was held with treats, laurels of praise and entertainment in honor of the victorious conquest. The Romans called the path from the Field of Mars to the Capitol a triumphal one.

So Gaius Julius Caesar became famous for his campaigns, earning respect and recognition as an outstanding emperor. It was the ancient Roman tradition to pass through the arches in triumph that formed the basis for the name of the structure itself.

Considering himself an invincible strategist and a great monarch, Napoleon decided to borrow this idea so that, after brilliant victories, he would organize similar processions and festivities in honor of himself, his army and in the name of France. But fate decreed in its own way, making serious adjustments to the plans.

History of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

In the 17th century, during the time of Louis XIV, the Louvre and Place de l'Etoile were connected by a direct road. Further, to get to Versailles, it was necessary to turn west to the Rue Foch, and then the Avenue Victor Hugo led away from the city. The highway received the name "Triumphal Way", which is still relevant today. Arches are connected by a single branch: Carruzel near the Louvre; the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe and the Great Arch erected in the middle of the last century, known as La Defense.

When the vault began to be created in 1806 under the guidance of the architect Jean Chalygren, it was located outside Paris, and the Place des Stars was in contact with the city checkpoint of Chaillot. Geographically, this is the top of the Champs Elysees.

The most interesting thing is that among the proposed projects, a variant of a giant granite elephant with a museum located inside was considered, the exhibits of which, naturally, would praise the Napoleonic victories. But after some deliberation, it was decided to dwell on the arc, the model for which was the Roman arch of Titus, which has similar columns and a vault uniting them.

But in comparison with the ancient prototype, the Parisian version has more impressive dimensions: a width of about 45 m, a height of about 50, a ceiling height of a little more than 29 m. But is immortality depicted in numbers? Any Parisian will answer that dignity cannot be measured with a ruler.

The construction of the building was delayed for 30 years. So much time was needed due to the fact that construction stopped from time to time, as Napoleon's troops began to suffer defeats.

When the long-awaited opening took place in 1836, the emperor himself had not been among the living for 15 years. The architect was also not destined to see his project completed - death overtook him when they had only managed to lay the foundation, and Abel Blue continued to work.

The triumphal arch has become a symbol of the legendary victories of the Napoleonic great army. The emperor was so passionate about the idea of ​​the monument that he himself laid the cornerstone for its foundation. After that, he managed to see his dream only once, and even then, in the form of a layout, when in 1810 he was visited by Marie-Louise of Austria. To show the future genius of the structure, a wooden skeleton was installed on the foundation and covered with a tarpaulin, decorated as an avant-garde memorial.

In the next and last time Napoleon walked under the arch in 1840, when Louis-Philippe, under pressure from the followers of Bonaparte, brought his remains from St. Helena, and led him in a funeral procession under him.

Later, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris with honors sent many worthy people alive to the other side of the country: Victor Hugo, MacMahon, generals Philippe Leclerc, Joffre and Foch, as well as Marshal Lattre de Tassigny, Thiers, Lazare Carnot and Gambette.

Since 1921, at the foot of the monument lies the ashes of not a king or a general, but an unknown soldier who sacrificed his life in the name of the interests of France in the First World War, as the corresponding inscription on the grave reads.

After 2 years, an eternal flame broke out here, reminding the living of the heroic sacrifice of the fallen soldiers. Every year on July 14, wreaths are laid at the grave and solemn parades are held with the participation of the few veterans of the Second World War who remain among us.

However, the processions under the arch were not only associated with triumph. The French do not like to remember this humiliating moment, but when Hitler's army captured Paris, it marched through the Champs Elysees, and triumphantly marched under the arches of the monument, symbolizing victory. The Fuhrer was well aware of the concept of "triumph", and he understood what humiliation he was subjecting to the Parisians.

Laconic beauty

The sculptor Jean-Jacques Pradier, who worked on the design of the arch, spent several years in Rome. Returning to Paris, he quickly gained popularity, becoming a sought-after figure in the artistic environment, whose opinion was carefully listened to. Imbued with a special love for ancient architecture, he participated in the design of the Arc de Triomphe, and his work belongs to the bas-reliefs, echoing the culture of the era of ancient Rome.

The main exhibition is sculptures located on four sides of the gate, two of which face the Champs Elysees, and two on the Avenue de la Grande Armé.
Those that look at the main thoroughfare of the capital tell about the events of older years.

On the right is the Marseillaise - a campaign of volunteers against the Prussian armies that invaded Lorraine in 1792. The goddess Bellona calls for battle, and among the warriors one can consider representatives of different classes. Left-hand side, this is a triumph, the return of the winners, which is announced by the freedom-winged maiden blowing the gong - the image of revolution and victory.

If you look at the sculptures overlooking the Avenue de la Grande Arme, then on the right is the composition of the artist Etex - "Resistance 1814", and on the left is the work of the same author - "Peace 1815".

Above are six bas-reliefs, each of which also contains an important part of the story. To the Champs-Elysées there are images, where Bonaparte, after the fighting at Abukir in the summer of 1799, is represented by the captured military leader Said Mustafa-Pasha. Above the right sculpture is a picture with the burial of General Marceau in the autumn of 1796.

The Grand Arma displays images of the battle in Egypt for Kanob, which took place in 1798, and the battle of Arcole in 1796. If we consider the lateral staging, we will see two more bas-reliefs: the famous battle of Austerlitz and the battle at Jemappe. Each of the 6 bas-reliefs has its own author, but they are harmonious and unified in their execution.

The arch serves as a memory of the most significant, victorious events of France, and the walls of its columns are painted with the names of 558 French generals, as well as the names of 128 battles in which the republican and imperial armies won triumph.

As you know, Napoleon twice occupied the throne and twice abdicated.

His last term was exactly 100 days, and therefore the Arc de Triomphe is covered by a hundred pillars of granite, which are connected by a strong cast-iron chain.

Museum, opening hours and ticket prices

Once in Paris, do not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the museum inside such a majestic monument. It was first opened in 1929 and then after restoration in 2008.

It works daily (10:00 - 23:00), with the exception of public holidays, which fall on December 25 and January 1 in winter months, May 1, July 14, and also in the fall on November 11.

From October to the first month of spring, the visiting time is reduced by half an hour, and the box office stops selling tickets half an hour before closing time. To enter, you have to fork out 10 euros for a regular ticket, 6 euros for beneficiaries, but for persons under 18 years old, admission is free.

Get ready to climb 284 steps to get to the museum and the viewing terrace. After the last restructuring, the exhibits were placed on three levels. A multimedia screen is located on the initial tier, figures are located on the next tier, and the third one reveals the panorama of the city of love. Each sector has its own theme to make it easier for guests to perceive information.

Here are unique evidence of past years, documents, paintings, and figurines of soldiers on their small pedestals, delighting with the detailed drawing of every little thing. Connoisseurs French history they will be able to take a small (or maybe large) souvenir with them by visiting a trading shop, where the price of toy soldiers varies from 90 to 220 euros, a bust of Bonaparte costs 187 euros, and miniatures of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe - about 20 euros.

Climbing up the floor big screen you can see the square and the people under the arch. It also demonstrates different stages of construction, tells about other famous arches, shows elements of bas-reliefs and sculptures that were lost in time or that are not visible from the street. It replaces each other with chronicles of the war years, epoch-making films, and also projects that never materialized.

Harmony from the observation deck

Climb to the top of the monument for a stunning view. Although the arch is not the tallest building, it offers an amazing panorama of the city, and the first thing you notice is 12 streets diverging in lines in different directions, leaving the Arc de Triomphe in the center of the circle. The square acquired its "starry" appearance only in 1854.

Any highway, and the Champs-Elysées is also among the rays-avenues, leads to historical sights. Having ascended the observation platform, the Eiffel Tower, the Egyptian obelisk in Luxor Square, the La Defense Arch, the Louvre, the Montparnasse Tower, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica will appear in full view.

Although the Arc de Triomphe is no less popular than the Eiffel engineer's tower, you won't have to stand in a long queue to get to the observation platform. Admire the opening great views cities of fashion, romance and love without haste, because there is enough space at the top for everyone.

From a height of 50 meters, view the main avenues of Paris and its sights. Being in one point, you can see all the color of a dozen of the famous streets of the capital, and fully appreciate the fusion of old and new Paris. From the Napoleonic arch, it is easy to reach the modern district of the city of Defense with its slender skyscrapers, the entrance to which is opened by the arch of the same name.

In the rays of a crimson sunset

Climb here in the evening to catch part of the day, and then witness the grand departure of the great luminary, and you can do incredible beautiful photos from the Arc de Triomphe. The sun sets sedately, even pathetically, coloring the sky in purple tones and passing through the gates of La Defense, connecting them with golden rays to the Napoleon's arch.

For a few moments, the sun's rays unite the vaults into one whole, stringing them, and at the same time flooding the street with a magical glow that multiplies, reflecting from hundreds of thousands of windows. And if you turn 180 degrees, the main street will take you to the most luxurious royal palace- The Louvre bathed in the warm colors of the passing day.

Don't miss the moment when eiffel tower at dusk the lanterns are lit. This moment is preceded by a small show with flashing lights lasting 3 minutes. In winter, the show starts at 21:00, in summer - at 22:00. This is a touching and very beautiful sight, which is definitely worth a look.

How to get to the Arc de Triomphe

In search of the famous landmark, you will definitely not get lost, because all hiking trails lead to it. Those who decide to lay their own route around Paris can use the metro by getting off at the Charles de Gaulle station (Charles de Gaulle - lines 1,2,6).

Any taxi driver knows by heart the way to the monument from anywhere in Paris, and this option will be the most reliable. Bus routes can also serve as an alternative: 92, 30 and 31, 20, 73 and 52.

triumphal arch video

Arc de Triomphe on the map

The exact address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France

Telephone: +33 1 55 37 73 77

Working hours: Mon-Sun from 10:00 to 23:00

Architectural style: neoclassical architecture

If you like walking, take a walk along one of the ray streets leading to the Arc de Triomphe, enjoying magnificent views along the way. fabulous city. Make your own triumphal procession, and you will definitely not miss anything interesting along the way.

Photo gallery Arc de Triomphe in Paris

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History of the Arc de Triomphe Paris

Arc de Triomphe Paris (photo)

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".

Construction history

In December 1806, immediately after the Battle of Austerlitz, Napoleon ordered the construction of a triumphal arch on the Parisian hill of Chaillot in honor of the military victories won by France during the Revolution and during the First Empire.

Napoleon did not live to see the completion of the construction of the Arc de Triomphe: 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. 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 side of the Champs Elysees - "La Marseillaise" sk. Ryuda (right) and "Triumph of 1810" sk. Cortot;
• from the side of avenue de la Grande-Arme - "Resistance" (on the right) and "Peace" sk. Eteks.

Above the arched opening are bas-reliefs by the sculptor Jean Jacques Pradier depicting winged maidens blowing fanfare and glorifying feats.

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 commanders.

• 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 Les Invalides, a carriage with the ashes of the emperor solemnly drove under the Arc de Triomphe.
• In 1916, during the First World War, France was plagued by setbacks, and just at that time, a sword deviated on the sculptural group of the Marseillaise.
• On August 17, 1919, pilot Charles Godefroy flew through the arch on a Nieuport II aircraft with a wingspan of ~ 8 meters.
• January 28, 1921 under the Arc de Triomphe was the burial of the remains of an unknown soldier who died during the First World War. The inscription on the grave reads: "Here rests a French soldier who gave his life for the Motherland, 1914 - 1918."

Arch visit

The Arc de Triomphe can be visited with a guided tour - there is an observation deck at the top, which can be reached by an elevator or 284 steps. The cost of visiting is ~ 10 euros (see the exact cost on the Arc de Triomphe website).

Address: France, Paris, Charles de Gaulle Square (Star Square)
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 of history and architecture that any more or less literate inhabitant of our planet knows about.

It is located in the legendary eighth arrondissement of the capital of France, on a square called Place Charles de Gaulle, or Place de la Zvezda. If we consider 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 Zvezda square was named because of the twelve even rays-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 in 30 years from 1806 to 1836. Its construction began on the orders of the greatest French conqueror and strategist Napoleon Bonaparte. Paris was to become a symbol of the great victories of the emperor and the man who "redrawn" 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 heavy victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. The project of the future historical monument was developed by the architect Jean Chalgrin, who, alas, did not manage 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 find a triumphal arch.

Arc de Triomphe from a bird's eye view

There are quite a few of them, however, they are not as famous as the one located in the center of the “12 ultimate star". Let's be honest, not everyone knows the origin of the word "triumph" itself: where it first appeared, what it means, and why the arch in Paris is called the Triumphal. The word "triumph" comes from Latin, and became widespread in the Great Roman Empire. The triumph meant the entry of the great commander and his army into the capital with victory.

Moreover, the victory had to be unconditional, quick and with the least losses for the triumph. Triumph is also the most precious reward for a commander, without which he could not call himself and his legion great. Only after his Triumph Gaius Julius Caesar was taken seriously by the people and recognized as a great emperor. It is from the time of the Roman Empire that the word “triumph” traces its history, and the arches through which the generals passed with their armies began to be called triumphal.

View of the Arc de Triomphe from Avenue de la Grande Armé

History of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris

As mentioned above, the architect Jean Chalgrin, who developed the project for the Arc de Triomphe, died almost immediately after laying the foundation for the future building. 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 France was ruled by Louis Philippe. The work was supervised by the new architect Abel Blouet. However, the dream of a great warrior, or, as many call him, a tyrant, nevertheless became a reality. In December 1840, a cortege carrying a coffin passed under the vaults of the arch, in which the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte, who died far from Paris on the island of St. Helena, were buried in early May 1821. Not only Napoleon was awarded such an honor: under the vaults of the arch, designed to celebrate the Triumph, the coffins with the bodies of Victor Hugo, Gambette, Lazarus Carnot and other equally famous personalities later stopped.

Arc de Triomphe in Paris side view

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, alas, has become 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 almost without resistance in order to somehow preserve the priceless monuments of history and architecture. Hitler knew perfectly 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 defiantly march through the Arc de Triomphe and then triumphantly march through the Champs Elysees. Thus, the fascists 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, the Parisians do not like to remember, because for them that parade was nothing but humiliation and shame.

Sculptural group from the side of Avenue de la Grande-Armé "Peace 1815" by sculptor Antoine Etex

Arc de Triomphe today

If today we look at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, we can see a majestic building, the height of which reaches almost 50 meters, and the width is 44.82 meters. However, these dry figures, of course, cannot convey the grandeur and beauty of the arch. The architect's project was brought to life in the antique style. Glory and triumph symbolize beautiful maidens with wings that blow fanfare.

These sculptures on the arch are by the Swiss-born architect Jean-Jacques Pradier, who at one time was awarded the Prix de Rome for his achievements not only in sculpture but also in painting. On the arch you can also see a sculpture called "La Marseillaise", which symbolizes the protest of the volunteers against the Prussian army, which captured Lorraine. The Triumph of 1810 also draws attention - this sculpture by Cortot, dedicated to the signing of the Peace of Vienna in 1815. The arch is decorated with the sculptures "Peace" and "Resistance" belonging to Etex.

Sculptural group from the side of the Champs Elysees "La Marseillaise" by the sculptor Ryud

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 looking at the arch will certainly see on its walls the names of the 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 a hundred pedestals, interconnected by the heaviest chains made of durable cast iron. This is not just a decoration or fence of the sights of Paris.

It is one hundred pedestals that are called upon to symbolize "one hundred greatest days» during the reign of the empire of Napoleon Bonaparte. In the arch itself, there is also an interesting, albeit small, building that houses a museum: 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 side of the Champs Elysees "Triumph of 1810" by the 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. Not the greatest ruler or commander is buried there: in 1921, the most ordinary ordinary soldier was buried there, who died on the battlefield during the First World War, whose name is still 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 that opens from a 50-meter height cannot be compared with what can be seen from the Eiffel Tower, however, it can also delight any tourist. A traveler who has come to Paris for impressions 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 on any day of the week; it is open for tourists from 10 am to 11 pm. True, for acquaintance with it you will have to pay a small fee of 10 euros.

Sculptural groups from the side of avenue de la Grande Arme "Resistance of 1814" by sculptor Antoine Etex

According to statistical studies carried out travel companies, we can conclude that a tourist who has arrived in Paris, or even a businessman who has visited France on a business trip, first of all goes to either the Arc de Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower. These two symbols, like a magnet, attract not only guests of the French capital, but also the Parisians themselves. This is not surprising, because it is the Arc de Triomphe that is the place that, like a mirror, reflects in itself the events that took place not only in the capital, but throughout the country from the beginning of the 19th century to the present day.

Basic moments

The dimensions of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris are impressive and emphasize its grandeur. The 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 triumphal arches 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 the Champs Elysees. The triumphal arch can be seen from all sides, and all year round it is visited by many French and foreign tourists. The area around the monument can be considered a real place of pilgrimage, as the routes of almost all excursions in Paris are laid past it.

Through the Arc de Triomphe leads the "Triumphal Way", which is also called the "Royal Perspective". This is a series of buildings and historical monuments, stretched along one axis. It starts from the Louvre, continues through the Tuileries Gardens to Place de la Concorde, and then along the Champs Elysees leads to the arch. The Triumphant Way does not end here. It continues even further from the city center - through the Grand Army Boulevard to the Grand Arch of Defense. The Arc de Triomphe in Paris lies in the middle of the "Royal Perspective", and therefore it is perfectly visible from the buildings of the historic city center and the ultra-modern high-rise buildings of La Defense.

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 a monument in the form of a huge elephant, in which a museum would be arranged, telling about the victories of the French troops. However, the emperor's attention was attracted by the project of Jean-Francois Chalgrin, the court architect of Napoleon I, who chose the famous single-span arch of Titus in Rome as the prototype of 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 Sacred Way, southeast of the Roman Forum. The laconic, beautiful monument served as a prototype for many triumphal arches built in modern times.

As in the Roman arch, the monument in the capital of France was planned to be made with 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 by only 5 meters in height.

The construction of the Arc de Triomphe dragged on for a long three decades due to a series of military defeats of France. In 1806-1807, a foundation was laid under the massive monument. In 1810, the bride of the emperor, Marie Louise of Austria, arrived in the capital of France. In honor of her visit, the wooden scaffolding of the monument under construction was decorated with a harsh canvas, which depicted a finished arch. So Napoleon was able to see his dream in the form of a large life-size model. The architect Abel Blue 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, in order to please the Bonapartists, transported the ashes of Emperor Napoleon to his homeland from the place where he spent last years life. The remains were taken from the remote island of St. Helena, placed on a pompously decorated funeral cortege and carried with honors under the arches of the majestic Arc de Triomphe. Today, the ashes of Napoleon are located in the building of the Les Invalides (Rue de Babylone, 70).

Since then, solemn funerals through the Arc de Triomphe in Paris have become a state tradition. Funeral corteges passed under the famous monument famous writer Victor Hugo, politicians Louis Adolphe Thiers, Lazare-Hippolyte Carnot, Patrice de MacMahon and Léon Michel Gambetta, army generals Ferdinand Foch, Joseph Joffre and Philippe Leclerc, and Marshal Jean de Latre de Tassigny.

In 1921, the remains of the Unknown Soldier, who gave his life during the recent war, were moved under the Parisian 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 decoration

The solemnity of the Arc de Triomphe is determined not only by its large sizes, but also carefully executed decor - ornaments, bas-reliefs and sculptures. Two sculptural compositions face the city center (Champs Elysées). On the right is a dynamic work by the French master Francois Rude. It is dedicated to the performance of volunteers against the army of Prussia, which entered Lorraine in 1792, and is called "La Marseillaise". On the left side, the arch is decorated with a sculptural group made by Jean-Pierre Cortot. It is called the "Triumph of 1815". In the central part of this composition, the sculptor depicted the figure of Napoleon himself.

From the side of the 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. From 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-Francois Theodor Gescher. And on the opposite side is the work of Carlo Marochetti. The bas-relief commemorates the battle near the town of Jemappe in Belgium, which took place between the French and the Austrians in 1792.

From the side of the city center, a bas-relief by Bernard Gabriel Serra or Serra the Elder is visible, on which the commander of the Ottoman Empire, Said Mustafa Pasha, is presented to Emperor Napoleon. These events took place after the French victory at the Battle of Cape Aboukir 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 Defense, you can see the bas-reliefs that immortalized two famous battles: the battle of Arcola in Italy (1796) and the battle for the Egyptian Canob, which took place two years later.

In addition, the names of 128 battles in which the French army won, 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 fell in battle are crossed out. The monument is surrounded by massive granite pedestals, which are connected by heavy cast-iron chains. They celebrate the hundred days when Napoleon ruled.

Arc de Triomphe today

Every year on July 14 near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, grand ceremony military parade. Parisians and guests of the city lay wreaths and fresh flowers at the grave and the Memorial Flame. The President of the country and the remaining veterans take part in the celebration.

Inside the Parisian attraction, a museum of the same name is open, 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, an observation deck has been created, which is very popular with tourists. The attention that this observation point on the Chaillot hill attracts is not accidental. From here you have excellent views of the central part of the city and its suburbs. Having been at the top of the famous arch, one can understand why the path leading through it is called "Triumphal".

For tourists, the entrance to observation deck and museum exposition are 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 the Place Charles de Gaulle. You can get to the monument from the Paris metro station Charles de Gaulle Etoile. In addition, many city buses run to the square.

The triumphal arch in Moscow was erected in honor of the victory of the Russian people in the war of 1812

Triumphal Arch in Moscow built from 1829 to 1834. It replaced the old wooden arch of 1814 on Tverskaya Zastava Square, which was built to meet Russian troops returning from Paris after the victory over the French. The walls of the newly built arch were faced with white stone, and the columns and sculpture were cast from cast iron. Initially, the arch was called the Moscow Triumphal Gates.

On both sides of the triumphal arch, a commemorative inscription was made, on the one hand in Russian, on the other in Latin: "To the blessed memory of Alexander I, who erected from the ashes and adorned this capital city with many monuments of paternal care, during the invasion of the Gauls and with them twenty languages , devoted to fire in the summer of 1812, 1826", but after reconstruction it was changed to another: "These Triumphal Gates were laid as a sign of remembrance of the triumph of Russian soldiers in 1814 and the resumption by the construction of magnificent monuments and buildings of the capital city of Moscow, destroyed in 1812 by the invasion of the Gauls and with them twelve languages"

Arc de Triomphe night and day

The arch was dismantled in 1936, during the reconstruction of the square, and it was recreated only at the end of the 60s on Kutuzovsky Prospekt. Its brick ceilings were replaced with reinforced concrete, and the cast-iron 12-meter columns were cast anew following the example of the only column of the old arch that has survived to that time.

Decor elements of the Arc de Triomphe in Moscow

Many confuse these Triumphal Gates with the triumphal arches erected on Triumphal Square. To reduce confusion, Triumphal Square was even renamed the Old Triumphal Gate Square.

Now Triumphal Arch located on Victory Square near Poklonnaya Gora