Arc de Triomphe. The Arc de Triomphe (Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile) is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. It stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle (originally named Place de l'Etoile), at the western end of the Champs-Elysees. The Arc de Triomphe (in English: "Triumphal Arch") honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. The monument was designed by Jean Chalgrin in 1806, and its iconographic program pitted heroically nude French youths against bearded Germanic warriors in chain mail. It set the tone for public monuments, with triumphant patriotic messages. The monument stands 50 metres (164 ft) in height, 45 m (148 ft) wide and 22 m (72 ft) deep.
Location: Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France
Image ID: 28079
Location: Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France
Image ID: 28079