The world is full of wonders, magical places that we should all visit at some time. Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile or Arc de Triomphe in French, is one of them:
Arc de Triomphe - Paris, France.
This monument was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte himself, although unfortunately he died before its completion; this because construction was paralyzed for twelve years. I dare to say that later he was able to cross the arch, in his coffin, while he was being transferred to the Palace of the Invalides. This incredible design is located in the Charles de Gaulle Square, former Star Square, in the 7th district of Paris, and was built by Jean Chalgrin and Jean-Arnaud Raymond.
The reason to carry out this art show was to honor the victory at the Battle of Austerlitz. The reality is that he has lived the two world wars, and ironically between his pillars have passed Germans during the Franco-Prussian War and the Nazis in the German occupation of Paris, two terrible defeats for France.
It has great stories and has definitely left a mark on the heart of every person who has visited it but did they know that before they wanted to build a building in the shape of an Elephant? Yes, if not because they rejected that design, nowadays we would have the photos of this great animal; the Tour de France would end up in the queue and not between the four pillars, which by the way are: Le Triomphe (The Triumph), La Résistance (The Resistance), La Paix (The Peace) and Départ des Volontaires or "The Marseillaise" (Departure of volunteers or "La Marseillaise").
There is still a lot of history to tell, many stories to contribute, but I prefer that you comment on some other curiosity about this monument... Where it definitely has more to give. See you in the next post where I will continue to show places and special events in the world.