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.

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).

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.

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.

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.