The Victory (xay) Gate (patu) was erected in the 1960s in memory of soldiers who lost their lives in the struggle for Lao independence. Its silhouette, which recalls that of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, is at the far end of Vientiane's own "Champs-Élysées", Lan Xang Avenue, which connects it with the presidential palace. Enjoy a fine view across the city from the terrace and from the top of the central tower (197 steps).