The builders of the Arc de Triomphe
In 1806, Napoleon 1st (Bonaparte) ordered a monument to symbolize the victory of the Imperial Army during the Battle of Austerlitz. The shape of this building, in Arc de Triomphe, also had to translate Napoleon's military genius. The latter entrusted the construction of Architects (Chalgrin, Joust, and Blount) and sculptors (Cortot, Rude, Alex, and Pradier). The work was interrupted by the fall of the Empire and the restoration of the French monarchy, to use in 1825. Finally, it was Louis-Philippe (Louis XVIII) who inaugurated the Arc de Triomphe, July 30, 1836.
Its architectural composition
Measuring 50 meters high, 45 meters wide and 22 meters thick, the Arc de Triomphe stands out for its size and majestic architecture, inspired by the ancient stone buildings. It consists of three arches, whose vaults are decorated with 111 boxes, the plant forms. The four pillars of the Arc are covered with sculptures:
Two high reliefs face the Champs Elysées: "La Marseillaise", or "Departure of the Volunteers" (1792 - François Rude) represents a garlicky woman named Liberty, followed by cheerful soldiers going into battle. "The Triumph of Napoleon" (1810 - Jean-Pierre Cortot) shows, meanwhile, the victorious emperor.
Two other high-reliefs, sculpted by Antoine Etex, facing the Avenue of the Grand Army: "The Republic" (or "Resistance") and "Peace".
Above the high reliefs, six bas-reliefs recount the battle of Austerlitz, the funeral of Marceau, the taking of Alexandria, the Battle of Jemmapes, crossing the bridge of Arcola and the Battle of Aboukir.
On the outer sides of the pillars, are also the names of the great battles of Napoleon Bonaparte and those of the French revolutionaries.
Inside, engraved with the names of 600 Heroes of the Empire.
A symbolic monument
Over the years, the Arch of Triumph, formerly the symbol of the Napoleonic Army, became the symbol of French patriotism. He took the memorial building function, as it has witnessed great historical events: Here are the most important.
On 15, December 1840, the procession of the transfer of Napoleon's ashes passed under the Arc de Triomphe.
The body of Victor Hugo, the famous French writer, was ensured May 22, 1885, under the Arc, and was buried in the Pantheon.
On 14 July 1919, the French troops of the First World War celebrated their victory by passing beneath the Arc. This date became that of the French National Day.
November 11, 1920, the body of an unknown soldier, a victim of the First World War, was buried under the Arc de Triomphe. In 1923, a flame was placed next to his grave, to the memory of the French soldiers died for their country. The latter is rekindled every day at 18:30. (November 11 is Remembrance Day, celebrating the Armistice: the return to France of Alsace and Loraine by Germany in 1918). Each year, the Arc de Triomphe is also the starting point for ceremonies and national celebrations.
In addition to knowledge of French history, the Arc de Triomphe will offer you the best rooftop views to admire Planning Paris, characterized Haussmann style.
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