The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is an iconic structure located in the French capital, standing in the Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.

Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile

Its official name is the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile (Arch of Triumph of the Star). Étoile means "star" in French, which comes from the fact that twelve avenues radiate outwards from the arch's center.

Construction Background

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. Although construction began in 1806, the work was interrupted due to Napoleon's downfall and political instability, and it was finally completed in 1836.

The arch's completion took place during the reign of King Louis-Philippe, and it was inaugurated on July 29, 1836. In 1840, a ceremonial procession took place where Napoleon's remains were passed beneath the arch after being returned from Saint Helena.

Structure and Design

The Arc de Triomphe is a massive arch, measuring approximately 50 meters (164 feet) high, 45 meters (148 feet) wide, and 22 meters (72 feet) deep. It was designed by Jean-François Chalgrin, modeled after ancient Roman triumphal arches. Engraved on the arch's surface are the names of important battles from the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, as well as the names of military leaders.