Patuxai

Patuxai ( Lao: ປະ ຕູ ໄຊ, [ pátǔ ː saj ] " Gate of Victory ", also French Monument des Morts ) is a triumphal arch in the Lao capital Vientiane. The 49 meter high monumental building stands at the end of Xang Boulevard.

Patuxai was built in the 1960s as a " monument to the heroes of the royal army ," that is, for Laos ' independence from France (1949 ). In 1975, the Pathet Lao took power, the massive concrete structure for 20 years was nameless. In general, it was plain as Anousavali (monument) known. For the 20th anniversary of the seizure of power in 1995, the Arch was the new dedication, " the hero of the August 23, 1975 " (Day of the takeover in Vientiane).

Confectioners turrets and sculptures from Indian mythology adorn the viertorigen concrete. Magically reverse the numbers four and seven in the size of the works again: The Four Pillars measure 4x4 meters, the overall structure is 7x7 meters high. The interior floors and platforms accommodate tourists shops.

The monumental remains unfinished to this day, although the Lao government approved new funds over and over again. Cement, which the U.S. had actually intended for the construction of an airfield for the Vietnam War, was used here. In addition, building materials were diverted into other channels and built in villas and residential buildings.