Arches of triumph or triumphal arches are scattered all over Europe. They represent and important visual cue about a country’s military history. Triumphal arches serve as a central point for military parades on national day celebrations. Arches of triumph are also great tourist attractions.Come along with me as we explore a few of Europe’s famous triumphal arches.
Arches of triumph represent visible reminders of a country’s important moments of history, especially related to significant military successes. They are usually built in very prominent places, and they serve as great landmarks to visit while planning your trips. Come along with me as we explore some famous arches of triumph across Europe.
1. The Arch of Triumph in Paris, France
The most famous Arch of Triumph is in Paris, France.
See my photos from Paris, France
The Paris Arch of Triumph (Arc de Triomphe) is the most famous on my list of arches of triumph in Europe. A symbol of the French military might and history, the Arch of Triumph (Arc de Triomphe) is both a famous tourist attraction and a French national symbol. It is the site of the Unknown Soldier tomb and also it is the end point of the famous Tour de France cycling event. This is a definite must-see tourist attraction in Paris.
2. The Modern La Defense Arch in Paris, France
Paris, France – Modern Arch in Paris’ business district La Defense
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Second on my list of arches of triumph comes an arch that is not really historical in nature. La Defense is Paris’ modern business district. On the hill you will find the modern arch which is beautifully aligned with the old Arch of Triomphe on Champs-Elysees. If you walk under the modern Arch in La Defense right up to the steps and look far far away you can see, on a clear day, the old Arch of Triumph in the middle of Paris.
3. The Arch of Triumph in Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest Arch of Triumph – Smaller but still impressive.
See my photos from Bucharest, Romania
Thirdly on my list of arches of triumph, we’re moving to the edge of Europe in Romania. The setting for the Arch of Triumph in Bucharest, Romania is very similar to the setting of the original Arch of Triumph in Paris. There is a very large roundabout surrounding the arch itself. Busy people and lots of cars and buses zoom by every single day in Bucharest, just like they do in Paris. It is a known fact that the Bucharest Arch of Triumph was built using the Paris Arch of Triumph in Paris, France. The reality definitely shows this resemblance.
4. Marble Arch in London UK
London, England – The Marble Arch site was the place for public executions in England’s history
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Moving on my list of arches of triumph, we’re moving across the English Channel to London. Marble Arch is a place of history in the heart of London. Dismantled and rebuilt at the beginning of the 19th century, Marble Arch has seen Queen Elizabeth II passing underneath in her golden coach.
Built to symbolize British victories in the Napoleonic Wars, Marble Arch features sculptures and friezes showing notable battles and figures such as Duke of Wellington and Lord Nelson.
5. Wellington Arch in London, UK
London, England – Wellington Arch is a triumphal gate on the corner of Hyde Park and Green Park
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Finished around 1830, Wellington Arch is a little-known gem when visiting London. Every tourist walks to Buckingham Palace but does not walk another 5 minutes to the Wellington Arch. Very few people know that you can climb to the top of Wellington Arch and get a great view of London. Also known as Constitution Arch or the Green Park Arch, Wellington Arch is a triumphal arch located to the south of Hyde Park in central London and at the western corner of Green Park.
6. Arcade du Cinquantenaire in Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, Belgium – Arcade du Cinquantenaire and Parc du Cinquantenaire
See my photos from Brussels, Belgium
Continuing my list of arches of triumph, we come to Europe’s capital: Brussels. Finished around 1905, Arcade du Cinquantenaire is a large arch in Parc du Cinquantenaire in central Brussels. It is topped by a bronze quadriga sculptural group with a woman charioteer, representing Brabant raising the national flag and driving a chariot. This triumphant arch was built in 1905 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Belgian independence.
7. Triumphal Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki, Greece
The large triumphal arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki Greece
See my photos from Thessaloniki
Gaius Galerius Valerius Maximianus was Roman emperor from 305 to 311. He carried most of his administrative work from Thessaloniki in Greece. Visiting Thessaloniki during the summer, we were impressed by how many roman artifacts were present in the city. Specifically, Galerius had a large summer palace overlooking the Aegean Sea and the remains of the roman agora (marketplace) suggest a very large and bustling market during the roman times in Greece. Galerius’ Arch is one of the large arches of triumph in Europe dating from the Roman times.
8. Arch of Constantine in Rome, Italy
The triumphant Arch of Constantine in Rome, Italy
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The Arch of Constantine is the most famous arches of triumph in Rome. It has been built to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. This event was a pivotal moment in Roman history as it led to Constantine becoming the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. It’s located near the Colosseum and is one of the most well-preserved ancient monuments in Rome.
9. Arch of Titus in Rome Italy
The Triumphant Arch of Titus marks the beginning of the Roman Forum in Rome
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Near the Arch of Constantine, we find another important European arch of triumph. The Arch of Titus is a triumphal arch located in Rome, Italy. It was constructed in 82 AD by Emperor Domitian to honor his brother, Emperor Titus, following his victories, including the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The arch is made of travertine and features detailed reliefs depicting the triumphal procession and spoils taken from the Temple in Jerusalem.
Since we’re talking history now, it’s important to realize that a large number of Jewish slaves were brought to Rome after the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. These slaves were used for the building of the famous Colosseum.
10. Arch of Augustus in Aosta, Italy
Triumphant Arch of Augustus in Aosta, Italy
See my photos from Aosta
The Arch of Augustus in Aosta, is a stunning example of Roman architecture built around 25 BC. This triumphal arch was constructed to commemorate the Roman Emperor Augustus’ victory over the Salassi, a local Alpine tribe. As the first emperor of Rome, Augustus’ successful conquest symbolized the expansion of Roman influence into the region. This arch is the starting point on my self-guided walking tour of Aosta.
Should You Look for Arches of Triumph in Europe?
Triumphal arches are very important landmarks for any country or city you are visiting. They are massive constructions that serve as a visual reminder for the people of that city and country. This reminder is usually connected with one or more very important historical events for the particular place you are visiting. Therefore, when planning your trip it is good to remember to visit any triumphal arches you are finding, because they are centrally located in very important places.
This was a really nice article to read. Sad to see Bernardo being rude in the comments. I think your photos are great! Thank you for posting :)
Niall…thank you for your comment! Bernardo probably assumes that my site is a typical aggregation of travel information like most other travel sites. However, I mainly post information about the actual places I visited as I think that first hand experience is a lot more important than reading what everyone else says.
Terrible photos….
Bernardo…I agree that my photos are not the greatest….I was a beginner photographer when I visited these places. But thank you for visiting my site and commenting.
The ones original of Roman Empire, you don’t even mention!! Please, the Constantin Arch is the most important of all!!! Berlin, Brandenburg Arch?? Maybe you never heard about it!!! In Lisbon there is also a triumphal arch… but I guess you are just stupid!! Go study and educate yourself
Bernardo…my goal is to only present the places I have visited personally. This is not simply gathered from the internet but only first hand experience. I know about the arches you mentioned…and there are many more. Thank you for reading and commenting though.
Who is the photographer?
I was the photographer. Some of these pictures however were taken when I was a beginner photographer and didn’t pay attention to much to photographic details.