Standing proudly at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most recognizable monuments in Paris, France. Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon Bonaparte after his victory at Austerlitz, the massive triumphal arch was built to honor the soldiers who fought and died for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
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Inspired by the triumphal arches of ancient Rome, the monument stands about 50 meters (164 feet) tall and dominates the grand traffic circle where twelve avenues radiate outward in a star-shaped pattern. Its massive stone surfaces are covered with intricate sculptures and engraved with the names of French generals and battles. Among the most famous reliefs is “La Marseillaise,” a dramatic depiction of volunteers marching into battle.
Beneath the arch lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which honors unidentified soldiers who died during World War I. An eternal flame burns here and is rekindled every evening in a solemn ceremony of remembrance. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for sweeping views across Paris, including the famous Champs-Élysées. Both a historic memorial and a symbol of national pride, the Arc de Triomphe remains one of the city’s most powerful landmarks.
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