The Arc of Triomf is a building located at the entrance of Ciutadella park, at the intersection of the Passeig de Lluís Companys promenade, Passeig de Sant Joan and Passeig de San Pedro. It was built to honor the Universal Exposition in 1888 as a symbol of scientific and cultural cooperation between countries of the world. It is 30 meters high, and it was built using red bricks, it is decorated from both sides with sculptures of ancient gods. In the upper section there is Barcelona’s coat of arms.
The arch is built in reddish brickwork in the Neo-Mudejar style which makes it somewhat unique: you cannot miss the red bricks that stand out on blue Barcelona sky. It was designed by Josep Vilaseca. He also engaged many Catalan artists to decorate sides of the arch, such as J. Reynes, A. Vilanova, T. Tasso, M. Fuxa and P. Carbonell. Their sculptures depict the hands Spanish Monarchy at the top of the arch, surrounded by a lion from both sides. There is also a mixture of sculptures that symbolize agriculture, science and art, industry and trade. The message that Vilaseca wanted to send with those sculptures and design was to welcome all nations to the Expo. At the top of the arch, with 49 shields of Spanish provinces, there is the coat of arms of Barcelona.
Author of the article:
Ana Lazarević - correspondent for the city of Barcelona
Contact: [email protected]
Photo by J Shim on Unsplash
