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. They are usually built in very prominent places and they serve as great landmark 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
See more photos from Paris, France
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 more 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 with the setting of the original Arch of Triumph in Paris. There is a very large round about 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
See my photos from London, England
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.
5. Wellington Arch in London UK
London, England – Wellington Arch is a triumphal gate on the corner of Hyde Park and Green Park
See my photos from London, England
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 Park du Cinquantenaire
See my photos from Brussels, Belgium
Coming to the end of 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.
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.
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.
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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 arches I have visited personally. I know about the arches you mentioned…and there are many more. I am considering adding other ones that I have not visited. 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.