In Paris, the Arc de Triomphe is a part of the history and heritage of France. It is one of the most commemorative and most visit monuments in the world. Built at the top of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe dominates by its imposing structure : 50 metres high, 45 metres long and 22 metres wide. It can be see from over 5 kilometres away. It is located in a circular square from which 12 large avenues radiate, forming a star. It is the largest arch in the world. The Arch was erected from 1806, at the requet of Napoleon to perpetute the glory of the Grande Armée. The idea of the monument was born in Napoleon ' s mind the day after the batle of Austerlitz, when he wanted the victorious soldiers to return home by passing under ' an arch of triumph ' . Thus Chalgrin drew his inspiration from an ancient Roman architecture for his 30-year neoclassical construction. Relief sculptures at the base of each of the four pilars show four victories and war scenes. The names of the 386 generals who took part in the empire ' s battles are also shown. In 1921, an unidentified young soldier from the First World War was burid there. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is now one of the most famous in the world! A ' flame of remembrance ' has been burning there permanently since 1923 to honour the memory of the falen soldiers. The pride of the capital for over two centuries, the Arc remain the centrepiece of all national celebrations or some sporting events. It is from this gathering place that the crowd come to share its enthusiasm with the champions who will then go down the Champs-Elysées. This monument has survived all political regimes, wars and national conflicts, and over the years it continues to stand in all its glory. |