Rome's Arc de Triomphe: everything you need to know

Triumphal Arches were built in many European countries to commemorate military victories. In the capital of Italy there are several, such as the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Triumph in Rome. The latter, located next to the Roman Colosseum, is the one I would like to focus on.

The also known as "Arch of Constantine" is one of the most modern Roman monuments (it was created in 315 A.D.) and both its location and structure make it the most visited arch in Rome.

In October 312, Emperor Constantine won the battle of the Milvian Bridge and, as was customary in Roman territory, a monument was built. The purpose of the Arch of Rome is to commemorate the victory of that occasion. This arch has many interesting facts that you will be told during a guided tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Some of them are:

• Many of the materials used in its construction came from other buildings and statues found in the city.
• All the images that are in the structure have the same context, namely Constantine's political plan to restore the empire.
• In the Middle Ages it was moved to a fortress that belonged to a family of Roman aristocrats.
• In 1804 it was painstakingly restored and returned to the place where it was originally built.

Guided tours will allow you to see details that tourists on their own will ignore when you stand in front of it.

The Roman Triumphal Arch is located inside the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, but because it is on the public road , there is no need to buy tickets to see it.

It should be clarified that unlike other arches found in Italy and other European countries, it is not possible to walk under the Arch of Constantine, as it is surrounded by a protection. Even so, this does not prevent you from getting close enough to see the details of its design.

The Arc de Triomphe is next to the Colosseum and there are several types of transportation that have stops near the Arch of Constantine, specifically in Piazza del Colosseo. If you want to go to this monument, no matter where you are in the Italian capital, the ways to do it are:

• Bus: take line 51, 75, 81, 85, 87 or 118, all can take you to Piazza del Colosseo.
• Subway: the line you need to take is the B line, it takes you to the Colosseo stop.

In case you decide for the last mentioned means of transport, it is advisable to read my guide to the Rome Metro.

The Arch of Constantine is one of the most visited monuments in Rome. And the main reason why I encourage you to visit it is also for the architecture, as it has an impressive height of 21 meters and a width of 25 meters.

The middle arch is the largest and has throughout the structure reliefs of emperors and warriors. Many centuries ago, people could pass underneath it, but not now. Obviously, the Arch of Constantine does not look the same as it did in the 3rd century, but it is still worth seeing.

Another reason why it is a great option to visit it is that it is located in a strategic point of the city. What do I mean? After visiting it you can visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill or the Arch of Titus.

Yes, it is a monument that they are sure to enjoy seeing and be impressed by. Besides, they can walk safely in the area around the arch.

In case you want to do something on your vacation in the capital that is ideal for the ages of your children I recommend you to read another of my articles in which I tell you 10 things to do in Rome for kids.

The structure of the Arch of Constantine is made of various materials: marble for the lower areas and bricks and details with marble blocks for the upper ones. The materials were reused because at the time it was built, the decadence in Rome was high and the end of the empire was looming.

Although it was created in the third century, the Arch of Constantine is very well preserved, thanks to the restorations that have been made.

Even today, seeing the Arch is a great experience, so instead of visiting it quickly, I encourage you to spend a few minutes looking at the details.

Read the inscription on the Arch

On the face of Rome's Arc de Triomphe facing the Colosseum is an inscription, and what it says tells you a lot about the empire and Emperor Constantine. For example, the term "divinely inspired" is used , this reminds you that Constantine, unlike other emperors, supported Christianity.

On the other hand, when reference was made to the people he defeated, he was not given a name, but was called "the tyrant". In that way, the idea was conveyed to the people that the war that was fought had been just. This inscription also makes it clear that it was the Senate who solemnly dedicated the Arch to Constantine.

Since visitors are not allowed to walk under the monument, I would like to tell you about two inscriptions found inside the larger arch:

• Liberator of the city.
• Founder of peace.

Be amazed by the accuracy of the reliefs and observe the statues

The reliefs on the outer walls of the monument are made of marble blocks. These are intended to narrate the wars and victories of the time of Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius, Trajan and Constantine (the main protagonist is the latter emperor).

Among the most outstanding reliefs are the following:

• Faces of emperors remodeled to appearances similar to Constantine.
• Marcus Aurelius giving bread to the poor.
• Roman soldiers in battle.
• Victorious marches.

As for the statues, they are in the upper area and represent Trajan after defeating the Dacians.

Observe the columns of the Arch

In the Arch there are four Corinthian columns that before being installed in this monument were in another that was created in the first century and was lost over time. All the columns have as bases sculptures representing winged victories in which we see captives of Rome, Roman legionaries and palm fronds.

Not all the elements that are in this great arch are reused, some were made especially for this monument dedicated to Constantine. These represent the military acts of the emperor and you can see them in the following areas of the Arch:

• On the left side of the south facade: the siege of Verona.
• On the right side of the south façade: the battle with Maxentius.
• On the left side of the north facade: a scene in the Roman Forum.
• On the right side of the north façade: a gift ceremony.

Take a look at Meta Sudans

Just in front of Rome's Arc de Triomphe are the remains of a monumental fountain that was in use until the 5th century. The structure was an impressive 18 meters high, had a base cylinder and was covered in marble. It is said that gladiators came out of the Colosseum to refresh themselves in the fountain and clean their wounds.

Its diameter was about 16 meters and its depth was about one and a half meters. The last photographs of the Meta Sudans date from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, at that time only had a height of 9 meters and no longer had its marble coating.

What was left standing of the monumental fountain was removed in 1936, and today only its remains remain. If you are interested in the subject, in another article I will tell you which are the best 5 fountains in Rome.

The Arc de Triomphe in Rome is in one of the most visited areas of the city, so in the high seasons of the year it is possible that more than 3 thousand visitors arrive. Therefore, if you are one of those people who like to admire a monument up close and see its details, I recommend going in the morning or late at night.

Many tourists and even people who live in Rome are encouraged to visit the Arc de Triomphe when it is already dark. The reality is that there are several things you can do in Rome at night.

During those hours you can dedicate the time you prefer to see the Arch and walk around to see other monuments of Rome. I hope you enjoy your trip to the Italian capital to the fullest.