I hope that I have proved the Arc de Triomphe is the most prominent if not the most monumental of triumphal arches. Its troublesome construction ended with a legacy to the nation. It is an icon not only of Paris but of France itself. Whilst the structure is clearly monumental, I certainly feel it is a copycat of previous incarnations.
The arch’s relatively young age goes to prove how incredible the Romans were at building. I find the appeal of the Roman arches, that have stood the test of time, more appealing. I can’t find an argument for this being the most monumental of all triumphal arches.
Writing about this has stirred memories of Rome and questioned why I still haven’t written about that great city. It has also inspired me to properly visit the Wellington Arch in London. Hopefully I can time this visit correctly with the troops passing under the arch. Inspiration is also there to visit two international sites, a visit to Berlin and see the Brandenberg gate and Austerlitz (Slavkov u Brna town in Cech Republic).
I will leave you with the words of Napoleon I, “You will not return to your homes but through arches of triumph”. As a traveller and visitor to the great city of Paris perhaps the last place on your itinerary should be the Arc de Triomphe. Not as a returning hero of war but leaving a triumphant tourist.