The Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile in Paris is the world’s greatest triumphal arch. It provides he backdrop for a remarkable urban ensemble in Paris. The structure overcomes the hill of Chaillot at the middle of a star-shaped configuration of 12 radiating avenues. In 1806, Napoleon visualized of a triumphal arch prototyped after those ancient Rome and offered to the glory of his imperial armies.
Jean François Thérèse Chalgrin designed the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile and was put into completion in 1833. It was inaugurated in 1836 by King Louis-Philippe. It was considered a product of late 18th century romantic neoclassicism because of its deceiving design and enormous size (49.5m high). The arch serves as a aide memoire that Chalgrin was a apprentice of Etienne Louis Boullée, the father of visionary architecture. Since 1920, the tomb of France;s Unknown Soldier has been sheltered underneath the arch. Its eternal flame honours the heroes of the two world wars, and is reawakened every evening at 6:30. On every Armistice Day (Novermber 11), the President lays a ceremonial wreath. During the French National Day or Bastille Day on July 14, a military parade initializes at the arch and proceeds down the Champs Elysées. For other significant occasions and holidays of the state, a huge French tricolor is unfurled and hung from the vaulted ceiling inside of the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile. Also during the Tour de France bicycle race, the last part also concludes here on the last Sunday of July.
There are four huge relief sculptures at the bases of the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile. These sculptures honours the Triumph of 1810 (by Cortot); Resistance and Peace (both by Etex); and The Departure of the Volunteers or the La Marseillaise (by François Rude). Etched around the top of the Arch are the names of most highlighted victories won during the French Revolution and Napoleonic periods. Found inside the walls are the less important victories and those names of 558 generals. If the name of a general is underlined, it means that he died in action.
Inside the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile, you can find a small museum that documents its history, architectural design and construction. It is powered with interactive touch screen displays. Admission comprises access to the top of the Arc where one is treated to fantastic views of the city. If you are planning to visit many museums and monuments, do not dare miss Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile.
This is probably the second most common picture of Paris, next to the Eifel Tower of course. I have always wondered why this is such a common picture when your searching for famous spots in Paris. I was so curious that I even asked a good friend of mine who now resides in Paris to tell me what is so important about this arc. It was only then that I knew of the great importance this arc has to the history of France. She even shared to me a fun fact about this arc. She told me that because this arc is so huge, a Nieuport biplane was able to pass right through it in the Victory Party at the end of World War I.
By far, this is really one of the greatest monuments to ever rise on Paris. Not only is it a wonderful sight, but it is full of history as well. In fact, on all sides of the arc, you can find “the departure of the volunteers”. The observatory on top of the arc will also allow you to get one of the best views of the whole city of Paris. Absolutely stunning!
This is another product of the brilliant ideas of Napoleon. This arc is significant to the Parisians for it commemorates their history. This arc symbolizes many important facts in the history of Paris most especially the French Revolution. It represents the bravery and patriotism of those generals who fought and even died in the battle. The Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile also shows how talented the Parisians are in the field of architecture.
i Love…………………………… the arc de triomphe but i did not get why was it called I’etoile
seeeee yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa