Arc de Triomphe Vs Marble Arch
Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013Every year, thousands of tourists flock to two of Europe’s most popular capital cities – Paris and London. The two destinations offer visitors two completely different cultures and environments. Each has their own unique sights and attractions to see. One thing that Paris and London does have in common is that both capitals have huge stone archways prominently featured. Paris has the Arc de Triomphe while London boasts the Marble Arch.
If you are trying to decide which city to visit on holiday, take a minute to compare the two different arches and in turn help learn a little bit more about your potential holiday choices.
Arc de Triomphe
Located at the end of the Champs-Élysées, a very popular and important roadway in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe was initially designed in 1806. Due to a series of setbacks, construction of the arch took nearly thirty years to complete and it was finally finished in 1836. Jean Chalgrin, the architect who designed the Arc de Triomphe designed the monument as a new take on classic Roman architecture.
Below the Arc lies another of Paris’ popular attractions, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Originally laid to rest in 1920, these remains were dedicated to the memory of the unidentified soldiers who died during The Great War. After World War II, the tomb was also officially dedicated to those lost in that conflict as well.
Marble Arch
Designed in 1825 to be placed in front of the newly constructed Buckingham Palace, construction on the Marble Arch was completed in 1933. It sat there as the entry to the palace for nearly two decades until 1850-1851 when it was dismantled and moved to its present location near Speakers’ Corner in the Hyde Park area of London. Thanks to its prominent location getting to the Marble Arch is simple by both the Tube and bus travel.
Modeled after the Arch of Constantine in Rome, the Marble Arch was originally only able to be passed under by royalty and their royal guard. Since being moved in the middle of the 19th century, the Arch has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, with visitors coming from all over the world. It is currently situated on an island in the middle of a busy intersection – some experts expect that it will be eventually moved to a close location which will allow more access to the public.
No matter which city you decide to visit on your holiday, you are bound to find a number of different sights which you will never forget. Both Paris and London offer their own atmosphere and beauty, and both are sure to amaze you. While both were constructed during the same time period, both the Arc de Triomphe and the Marble Arch provide visitors with unique views into the different cultures.
Tim Baker is an experienced traveler and writer who has made numerous trips all over the world. One of Tim’s favorite experiences was traveling through Europe via bus, and of all the cities he’s visited, Paris and London are two of his favorite.
Arc de Triomphe Vs Marble Arch







