29 July

On July 29, 1836, the Arc de Triomphe was officially inaugurated in Paris after nearly 30 years of construction. The monumental structure later became one of the most recognisable architectural and urban landmarks in the French capital.

The project was initiated in 1806 during the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte. It was planned at the western end of the Champs Élysées so that the monument could be clearly seen from important royal and public routes across the city. It now stands at the centre of the former Place de l'Étoile, presently known as Place Charles de Gaulle.

Construction was interrupted several times because of political change, changes of government and administrative difficulties. Despite these delays, the structure was eventually completed and inaugurated on July 29. According to the official history of the monument, a major public celebration was cancelled because of security concerns and only a small number of officials attended the ceremony.

In the history of real estate and urban development, the Arc de Triomphe demonstrates how a major public structure can become a permanent part of a city's identity, street layout, tourism economy and surrounding built environment. It remains a central feature of the Paris cityscape and an internationally recognised symbol of French architecture.