In 1807, by order of Napoleon, construction of an arch began in Milan to symbolize the victories of his troops on the Apennine Peninsula. One fine day he planned to triumphantly enter the city through it, however, this never happened - the construction that had begun was suspended after the expulsion of the French from the country. Work resumed only in 1826, and now the arch's bas-reliefs were meant to reflect the country's history after the defeat of the French emperor.
The arch's first architect, Luigi Cagnola, never got to see his creation - construction was completed after his death. The monument was made of Crevola marble, its height reached 25 meters, and its width - 24. The name of the monument came about by itself - it symbolizes what wars are fought for.
At the top of the monument stands the bronze chariot by Abbondio Sangiorgio, originally directed toward France. Today it faces the city center.
