L'Arc de Triomphe-Facts and figures.
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The Arc de Triomphe is fifty metres in height and forty-five metres in width. To reach the viewing platform at the top, you have to climb 260 steps up a spiral staircase. The arch was designed in 1806 and was designed to be a landmark in the capital city. But before it had risen many metres above ground level, the architect died (in 1811). |
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This, combined with Napoleon's military failures in his last few years as Emperor, meant that the Arch was never completed while Napoleon was alive. He never saw his dream become a reality. The Arc de Triomphe was not finished until 1836. |
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The sides are decorated with sculptures of battles. Inside the Arch are the names of the battles in which Napoleon's vistorious armies fought, and lists of his generals. The names of 128 victorious battles and 558 generals cover part of the Arc de Triomphe's surface. Beside, is a picture of the roof of the Arc de Triomphe Below, you can see the walls, with the lists of the generals and the battles. |
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Page last updated 18 February 2005. |
