The symbol of the French nation - Arc de Triomphe is located in Paris, in the VIII arrondissement, on Charles de Gaulle Square (it is also called Place de Etoile). The monument, without which modern Paris can no longer be imagined, was erected in the center of the square, giving rise to 12 avenues, including the famous Champs Elysees. To commemorate the victory of the French army in the battle of Austerlitz, Napoleon Bonaparte decided to erect the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, on the hill of Chaillot. The construction of the monument, designed by architect Jean Francois Châlgren, began in 1806 and lasted 30 years. Napoleon did not live to see the end of construction; it was completed only in 1836, during the reign of Louis Philippe. The Triumphal Arch, made in the antique style, has impressive dimensions. Its height is 49.5 meters, its length is 45 meters, and its height is 29 meters. The arch is decorated with bas-reliefs “Battle of Austerlitz”, “Marseillaise”, “Battle of Abukir”, “Resistance of 1814”, “Triumph of 1810”, “Battle of Arkola”, “Funeral of General Marceau”, “Peace of 1815”, “ The Battle of Jemapp, "" The Battle of Canob. " The walls are engraved with the names of 128 battles won by the Republican and Imperial armies of France, and the names of 558 French military leaders. Around the Arc de Triomphe, there are 100 granite pedestals connected by cast-iron chains. The number of thumbs corresponds to the number of days of Napoleon Bonaparte's short second reign. At the foot of the arch is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which has been burning ever since. The inscription on the grave reads: "Here lies a French soldier who gave his life for his homeland, 1914.1918." At the top of the Arc de Triomphe is an observation deck with stunning views of Paris, inside - a small museum dedicated to the history of the construction of the Arc de Triomphe. You can get to the monument exclusively through the underpasses due to heavy traffic on the square; there are no traffic lights or road signs on it.