Though less artistic than its older cousin of Porte Saint-Denis, the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile is the most famous and much larger. Located on the hill of Chaillot is the center from which radiates a dozen busy Parisian boulevards, A great arch with couple large towers topped by a large horizontal part is a famous architectural feature since the days of Louis XIV (the ’14th ‘) in the late 17 th century.
But what lies at the intersection of the Champs-Elysees and Avenue de la Grande Armée (along with 10 other ways) is that required by most visitors.
The sculptures and friezes make work an artistic pleasure, but the monument to the vastness – unthinkable only from photographs – is transformed into an architectural marvel. The Arch is 50 meters (164 feet), 45m (148ft) long and 22m (72ft) wide. The arch is 30 meters (98ft) tall.
If you are under the structure (but given the traffic in Paris, never at the center, unfortunately) is overwhelmed by the huge stone. Commissioned in 1806 and completed in 1836, built when Wellington defeated his army at Waterloo in 1815 put an end to the projects of Napoleon self-glorifying monument construction.
The monument can be seen from different parts of Paris, far away, thanks to the Parisian zoning restrictions forbidding the construction of tall buildings.
At the base are four large relief sculptures is the basis of four pillars. Along the sides are the names of 558 generals – those underlined died in action.
The flame burns on a permanent memorial is a touching part of the impressive monument.
Within the arc (‘arc’ is French for “bow”) is a small museum with displays relating to the history. (Admission covers the museum and access to the top.)
From the top view, because they are somewhere in Paris, its awesome. “From here the visitor can see the Louvre and Place de la Concorde and other attractions.
The Arc de Triomphe is most easily reached by Metro (subway). Get off at Charles de Gaulle – Etoile station.
