In the center of Bucharest, lined with bustling boulevards, stands the majestic Triumphal Arch, a silent witness to history and a symbol of national pride. Deeply rooted in Romania's heroic past, this monument evokes stories of bravery and unity, woven into a grand architecture. Every stone, every sculpture speaks of history, revealing curiosities and details that delight and inspire those who stop to contemplate it.

So let's explore some of the lesser-known aspects of one of Bucharest's most famous sights:

The Arch of Triumph. A story that begins in wood

Other temporary triumphal arches were erected in Bucharest in 1848, 1859, 1878, 1906 and 1918, but after the First World War the decision was made to build a permanent monument. In 1922, during the mandate of Bucharest's mayor Matei Gh. Corbescu (February 1922 - December 1922), a parade in honor of the Great Union was organized in Bucharest. Since the Triumphal Arch of 1918 had been made of a material that could not withstand the rain, Mayor Matei Gh. Corbescu came up with a proposal to erect a new wooden Triumphal Arch until money could be found for a more imposing one. He was criticized for his initiative and, in 1922, the decision was taken to erect the Arc de Triomphe in the northern part of the capital, on the Kiseleff road.

The Arch of Triumph. The birth of an eternal structure

The Triumphal Arch as we know it today came to life between 1935 and 1936, unveiled to the city on December 1, 1936, as a tribute to the victories of the First World War and the Unification of Romania.

Architect Petre Antonescu, a master of form and proportion, was the creative mind behind the monument. It was he who conceived the entire construction, and his contribution not only ennobled the city, but also reinforced his status as a visionary architect.

The Arch of Triumph. Stones and stories

Built of reinforced concrete and granite, the Arc de Triomphe was meant to stand the test of time. These carefully chosen materials not only give it durability but also a sober and imposing elegance. Originally, however, only the skeleton was cast in reinforced concrete, while the beautiful exterior bas-reliefs were made of plaster, which has gradually deteriorated due to weathering. By the beginning of the 1930s, the Arc de Triomphe had become an "inconvenient monument" to the image of inter-war "Little Paris". 

At 27 meters high, 25 meters wide and 11.5 meters deep, the Arc de Triomphe dominates the landscape, reminiscent of the world's great monuments and Romania's spirit of unconquerability.

Adorned with bas-reliefs and inscriptions, this monument tells the story of heroes and great moments in our history. Famous sculptors such as Constantin Baraschi and Dimitrie Paciurea contributed to its beauty, bringing life and emotion to the stone.

Inside the arch, a spiral staircase leads to the upper platform, where you can admire a panoramic view of Bucharest. This upward journey is only open to the public on special occasions, making each visit a unique experience.

The Arch of Triumph. Victim of Communism

After the Communists came to power in Romania, the Triumphal Arch was "mutilated" by removing from its sides the two texts of King Ferdinand's proclamations to the country on the occasion of Romania's entry into the War of Unification and the coronation in Alba Iulia in 1922. The effigies of King Ferdinand the Interregnant and Queen Maria, by the sculptor Alexandru Călinescu, were also removed from the frontispiece on the southern façade of the monument and were destroyed, being replaced by two large stone flowers.

The Arch of Triumph. Renaissance through restoration

Over the years, the Arc de Triomphe has undergone multiple renovations, most recently between 2014 and 2016. These restorations were essential to keep the grandeur of the monument intact and bring it up to modern standards of conservation.
As a central attraction for national parades and ceremonies, the Arc de Triomphe shines on Romania's National Day, December 1, when the boulevards fill with color and national pride.