Paris Culture: Commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon, shortly after his victory at Austerlitz, L'Arc de Triomphe was not finished until 1836. There are four huge relief sculptures at the base of each pillar commemorating The Triumph of 1810, Resistance, Peace, and The Departure of the Volunteers.
Climb the spiral staircase to the top for a view of the city and a better look at the top of the arches, where the names of major victories won during the Napoleonic period are engraved. The names of less important victories, as well as those of 558 generals, are found on the inside walls, while the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies below. |
|
