The Arch of Triumph

The symbol of victory.

The first, wooden, triumphal arch was built hurriedly, after Romania gained its independence (1878), so that the victorious troops could march under it. Another arch with concrete skeleton and plaster exterior of elaborate sculptures and decoration designed by Petre Antonescu was built on the same site after World War I in 1922. 

The arch has a height of 27 metres. It has as its foundation a 25 x 11.50 metres rectangle. Elisabeta Palace, the current residence of the Romanian Royal Family, is located near the Arch of Triumph, in Herăstrău Park.

Presently, military parades are held beneath the arch each December 1, with the occasion of Romania's national holiday.