The adventurous history of the Arc de Triomphe

Of all the sights in Vác, the Arch of Triumph is the most unique, as the Vác Stone Gate is the only triumphal arch in Hungary. A visit to the building is a must on a sightseeing tour, especially as you can recall the legend associated with it while standing next to the podium.

The triumphal arch was built in 1764 by Kristóf Migazzi in honour of Maria Theresa's visit. Maria Theresa arrived by boat on the Danube from the Diet of Bratislava. The nobility awaited the guests on horseback, dressed in fancy livery. The arrival of the boat was signaled by a cannon shot. Legend has it that when the queen learned that the triumphal arch had taken only five months to complete, she did not dare to drive under it, but got out and passed it on foot. On her departure, when the Queen saw that the Arch of Triumph was still standing, she passed under it with a calm heart.

Two other legendary events are attributed to the Stone Gate: a year after the gate was erected, on the day Emperor Franz died in Innsbruck, its medallion, set into the wall of the triumphal arch, was struck by the thunderstone. On the same day, in Vienna, the great crucifix of the altar fell on the head of Migazzi, who was celebrating mass in St Stephen's.