Triumphal arches, a type of commemorative monument originating in ancient Rome, saw a surge in development during the 19th century to honor notable figures and military triumphs.

While sharing common forms and architectural styles, triumphal arches in various countries still feature unique details for visitors to explore. Below are the "world's greatest" triumphal arches, as identified by Architecture of Cities, a global urban architecture website, based on criteria of scale, architecture, and historical significance. Photo: Paris Discover

1. Arc de Triomphe - Paris, France

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is the world's most famous triumphal arch. Construction began in 1806 and concluded in 1836, commemorating those who sacrificed their lives in the French Revolution and subsequent Napoleonic Wars.

This arch stands in the center of Charles-de-Gaulle Square, just west of the Champs-Elysees avenue, connecting to other historical buildings across the city.

The Arc de Triomphe is 50 m high and 45 m wide. Its central archway is so large that pilot Charles Godefroy flew an airplane through it in 1919. The Arc de Triomphe features classical details such as cornices, friezes, coffered ceilings, and marble statues. Photo: Go City

2. Cinquantenaire Arch - Brussels, Belgium

The Cinquantenaire Arch is the central highlight of Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels. The entire complex was built in the late 19th century in preparation for the Cinquantenaire, an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of Belgium's Independence Movement.

The structure incorporates typical elements of 19th-century triumphal arches, including round arches, Ionic columns (one of the three most common classical orders in Greek architecture), coffered ceilings, and bronze statues. Its symmetrical three-arch design is common in both modern and ancient triumphal arches. Photo: Visit Brussels

3. Monumento a la Revolucion - Mexico City, Mexico

The Monumento a la Revolucion holds the record for the world's tallest triumphal arch, standing at 67 m. The structure was erected to commemorate the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). Its predecessor was the unfinished dome frame of the Federal Legislative Palace, a project initiated by magnate Porfirio Diaz before his overthrow.

This structural framework was later transformed into a monument, incorporating Art Deco sculptures to create its new appearance. The arch is located in the Tabacalera neighborhood of the Cuauhtemoc district, near Mexico City's historic center. Photo: Mrm

4. India Gate - New Delhi, India

This triumphal arch is located in the heart of New Delhi and exhibits many European characteristics, having been designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens during the colonial period. Completed in 1931, the structure features an Indo-Saracenic style (combining Islamic, traditional Indian, and Western Gothic elements) with sandstone material and intricate carvings.

India Gate was built to honor the soldiers of the British Indian Army who died in World War I and the Anglo-Afghan Wars. It houses the Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame that continuously burns to pay tribute to unknown martyrs. India Gate is considered a symbol of India's national pride and its history of struggle. Photo: Asia by Local

5. Rua Augusta Arch - Lisbon, Portugal

The Rua Augusta Arch stands next to Comercio Square, south of Lisbon's historic Baixa downtown area. The neoclassical structure began construction in 1775 as part of the city's reconstruction efforts after an earthquake. Due to political instability, financial difficulties, and design changes, the triumphal arch was only officially completed a century later.

Atop the arch is a statue of the goddess Glory holding two crowns, symbolizing victory and honor, flanked by figures representing Valor and Genius. Below are statues of four prominent Portuguese individuals: leader Viriatus, General Nuno Alvares Pereira, navigator Vasco da Gama, and Marquis Pombal. Photo: Expedia

6. Arch of Triumph - Pyongyang, North Korea

This structure was built in 1982 from white granite, commemorating leader Kim Nhat Thanh's contributions to the anti-Japanese resistance from 1925-1945.

The monument was inaugurated on his 70th birthday, 15/4/1982. Each of the 25,500 meticulously carved white granite blocks represents one day of his life up to that point. Photo: CNN

7. Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch - Brooklyn, New York, United States

The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch is one of several triumphal arches in New York City. The arch is located in Brooklyn, one of the city's five boroughs.

The monument commemorates various branches of the US military, including the army and navy, for their sacrifices in the American Civil War. The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch was completed in 1892 and features statues of notable Americans such as Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Photo: Brownstoner

Hoai Anh (According to Architecture of Cities, Korea Konsult)