Arc de Triomphe, Triumphal arch at Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris, France
The Arc de Triomphe is a triumphal arch built from pale limestone at Place Charles de Gaulle in Paris. It rises roughly 50 meters and rests on four broad pillars, each adorned with relief sculptures illustrating military scenes and allegorical figures.
Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned the arch in 1806 following his victory at Austerlitz. Construction continued for three decades and was finally completed in 1836 during the reign of King Louis-Philippe.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, interred beneath the central vault after World War I, holds an eternal flame rekindled each evening. Since that interment, military parades have marched up to the arch and around its side rather than through it, a custom observed by both Adolf Hitler in 1940 and Charles de Gaulle in 1944.
A staircase with 286 steps leads to the rooftop terrace, which offers views over the twelve avenues that radiate from the square. Taking your time on the climb lets you appreciate the layout of central Paris from above.
The inner and outer walls carry the names of 558 generals and a long list of battles from different French campaigns. Many visitors focus on the relief sculptures and overlook these engraved lists, which form a detailed record of military history.
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