Arc de triumph

Another testimony to Roman grandeur in Orange, the Arc de Triomphe is also on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This urban arch of impressive dimensions, measuring over 19m long and 20m high, served as the gateway to the Roman city of Arausio in the 1st century AD. Erected under Tiberius as a tribute to the veterans of Caesar’s 2nd Gallic Legion, founders of the city, it is an exceptional monument to Roman art. Comprising three bays and a double attic, it is richly decorated with panels of weapons commemorating the victories of the Roman army over barbarian peoples: shields, helmets, ensigns and exceptional maritime attributes testify to Rome’s supremacy!