Triumphal Arch

The Arc de Triomphe is a grandiose object that is worth seeing for all guests of the capital. The history of its creation is extremely interesting. This arch is located on Kutuzovsky Prospekt. The monument was created in honor of a very important historical event. This is the victory of Russia over Napoleon. This majestic landmark is the most famous triumphal gate in the world.

A bit of history

The grandiose arch was built two years after the victory of the troops over Napoleon. At first it was made of wood. But very soon it became clear that it needed to be rebuilt. That is why, 12 years after construction, in 1826, the right decision was made to build these gates from reliable stone. Their project was developed by the famous architect Beauvais, who was rebuilding Moscow after the incredible fire of 1812. The arch was laid three years later. A bronze plaque was mounted on the monument, on which an inscription was made. She praised the Russian people, who won the fight against the French. The construction of this majestic arch went on for five whole years. It was opened in 1832.

Two years later, the reconstruction of the entire square, located near the Belorussky railway station, began. The gate was taken apart. But after thirty years they were completely restored. It was important for the restorers to recreate the arch in its original form. Especially for this, they developed 150 different models that copied all the elements of the structure as accurately as possible. At that time, only one column remained. Columns were cast from its fragments (there are 12 in total). The arch was opened in 1968.

Features

This arch is of the classic single-span type. It has two supports, which are surrounded by cast-iron columns. Between them there are special niches. Each contains figures of Russian soldiers in armor typical of the war with Napoleon. Above are majestic statues of the goddess Nike. At the feet of each lie the trophies that they managed to collect in battle. The arch is crowned by six horses, as well as a chariot. The goddess Nike, who controls it, holds a wreath. With it, she honors victorious warriors. On the facade there is a plate on which you can read the text about the victories of the people of Russia.

Triumphal arch – a majestic monument, which is a must see for all guests of Moscow. This spectacle is truly grandiose.