Arc de Triomphe description and photos - Moldova: Chisinau (Topic)

Arc de Triomphe description and photos - Moldova: Chisinau. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photos and a map showing the nearest significant objects.

Photo and description

The Arc de Triomphe on the central square of Chisinau is one of the brightest decorations of the capital of Moldova. This impressive architectural monument is also called the Holy Gates, since the arch is on the same axis with the bell tower and the Cathedral and is actually the main gate of this magnificent temple. In addition, the arch has another name - "Victory Arch", as it was originally erected in honor of the victory of the Russian troops over the Turkish army in the war of 1806-1812.

On the Arc de Triomphe you can see fragments of documents that are very important in the formation of Chisinau, carved in Moldovan and Russian, including the Order on the liberation of the city from the German-Romanian invaders, as well as the names of the soldiers of the Soviet Army, who showed heroism in battles on the territory of Moldova during the Second World War. So the Arc de Triomphe became a vivid symbol of victory over fascism.

The history of the Arc de Triomphe began in the first half of the 19th century. after the governor of Chisinau Vorontsov appealed to the tsar with a petition for a salary of 1600 poods of copper to cast bells for the city's Cathedral. For these needs, most of the guns captured during the Turkish campaign were allocated, which were located in the Izmail fortress. To reduce costs, the bells were cast in Ishmael itself. The largest of them weighed 400 pounds, and the smallest - 25 pounds. When the bells were delivered to Chisinau, it turned out that the size of the largest bell did not allow to install it either on the cathedral or on the bell tower. As a result, the authorities decided to build an arch, which would become not only a belfry for a large bell, but also the main decoration of the city. The construction of the arch was completed in 1839. The author of this project was the architect Ivan Zaushkevich, and the prototype was the Roman triumphal arch. The grand opening of this magnificent building took place in 1840

The Triumphal Arch of Chisinau is a square structure, consisting of two tiers and reaching a height of 13 m. The lower tier of the arch, made in the antique architectural style, has through rectangular openings for pedestrian traffic. The upper part of the structure with decorated friezes is separated from the lower part by an entablature. On the second tier of the majestic Arc de Triomphe, there are three bells. On one side, the arch is decorated with a large clock purchased in Austria.

Today the Arc de Triomphe is one of the most attractive monuments in the Moldovan capital.

We also recommend reading Agenskalna baptist church (Agenskalna baznica) description and photos - Latvia: Riga

Topic: Arc de Triomphe description and photos - Moldova: Chisinau.