Throughout history, monumental arches have been built in the different parts of the world. These commemorative or triumphal arches which are large monuments were built to honor important men or events.
Here are some of the most famous commemorative or triumphal arches in the world from the Renaissance up to the 20th century.
Arc de Triomphe: Paris, France
First on the list is the famous Arc de Triomphe, an iconic Triumphal arch located in Paris, France. It stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle, also known as the Place de l'Etoile (Star Square). The arch honors those who fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. On the inside and the top of the arc there are all of the names of generals and wars fought. Underneath is the tomb of the unknown soldiers from World War I.
The monument stands 49.5 meters (165 ft) in height, 45 meters (148 ft) wide and 22 meters (72 ft) deep. It is the second largest triumphal arch in existence (replaced in 1984 by a Korean arch of triumph).
Triumphal Arch of Carousel: Paris, France
Another well-known triumphal arch in Paris, France is the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. It is located on the Place du Carrousel, just to the west of the Louvre. The composition commemorates the Restoration of the Bourbons following Napoleon's downfall.
Bradenburg Gate: Berlin Germany
The magnificent Brandenburg Gate is a former city gate and one of the main symbols of Berlin, the capital of Germany. The gate is the monumental entry to Unter den Linden, the renowned boulevard of linden trees which formerly led directly to the city palace of the Prussian monarchs. It was commissioned by Friedrich Wilhelm II as a sign of peace and was built from 1788 to 1791. Today, it is considered one of Europe's most famous landmarks.
Siegestor or Victory Gate: Munich, Germany
Another famous arch of Germany is the Siegestor or Victory Gate in Munich. It is a three-arched triumphal arch crowned with a statue of Bavaria with a lion-quadriga, similar in style to the Arch of Constantine in Rome, the Marble Arch in London, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Bradenburg Tor in Berlin. It is located between the university and the Ohmstrabe, on the intersection of the Leopolstrabe and the Ludwigstrabe.
Ottawa War Memorial: Canada
This tall granite cenotaph with accreted bronze sculptures that stands in Confederation Square, Ottawa called as the National War Memorial, also known as The Response, serves as the federal war memorial for Canada.
Originally built to commemorate World War I, in 1982 the memorial was also inscribed with the dates "1939-1945," for World War II, and "1950-1953," for the Korean War. Further, it also now symbolizes those Canadians who have died in other wars and on peacekeeping duties. In 2000, the Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added to the memorial site.
Peace Arch: Canadian Side
This Peace Arch is located in Surrey, British Columbia. Its counterpart in the USA is located in Blaine, Washington.
Marble Arch: London, United Kingdom
This splendid arch called the Marble Arch is a white Carara marble monument located near Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park, at the western end of Oxford Street in London, England. Historically, only members of the royal family and the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery were allowed to pass through the arch.
Wellington Arch: London, England
Wellington Arch is another grandiose triumphal arch located to the south of Hyde Park in Central London. It is also known as Constitution Arch or (originally) the Green Park Arch. The arch, and Marble Arch to the north of Hyde Park, were both planned in 1825 by George IV to commemorate Britain's victories in the Napoleonic Wars.
Triumphal Arch: Lisbon, Portugal
This marvelous triumphal arch is located in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The arch is decorated with statues of historical figures, including Vasco da Gamma and the Marques de Pombal.
The Soldiers and Sailors' Arch: New York, USA
This impressive arch was built for the American soldiers and sailors at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, New York. It is an 11-acre (4.4 hectare) oval plaza that forms the main entrance to Prospect Park.
Newport News Victory Arch: Virginia, USA
The Newport News Victory Arch or simply Victory Arch is a monument erected in Newport News, Virginia, first in 1919 and then rebuilt in 1962. The Victory Arch was established as a memorial to those who served in the American armed forces during periods of war.
Washington Arch: New York City, NY, USA
Another historic arch in the US is the Washington Arch in Washington Square Park, one of the best-known of New York City's 1,700 public parks.
