Arc de Triumf, Barcelona

It's not as well known and not as Martial as its larger brother in Paris, but it's nevertheless a beautiful piece of art. Barcelona's Arc de Triomf was built for the world exposition in 1888 and stands for the triumph of technology and civilization. The arch is a red brick structure, designed by Josép Villaseca and stands in the Parc de la Ciutadella. Figures from classic European civilizations like Greece and Rome are shown on the arch, depicting arts and trades. Other details on the arch are the coats of arms of Barcelona of all Spanish provinces. Four different artists worked on them.

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Something I didn't expect to see, was The large Arc de Triomf. We came out of the Park of the Ciutadella and then proceeded walking along a wide Promenade lined with beautiful street lamps. [check the photo's]
Along the way, we came across the Red Moorish styled Arch. It was built in 1888. The front frieze contains the stone sculpture "Barcelona welcomes the nations." The opposite frieze contains a stone carving named "Recompense.'

The arch is located between Passeig de Lluís Companys and Passeig de Sant Joan, at the end of a wide promenade connecting with the Park of the Ciutadella.
I am so glad we decided to walk this area instead of staying on the Bus, why don't you do the same?

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Triumphal Arch was designed as a invitation point to 1888 World Exhibition. It was designed by Josep Vilaseca I Casanovas. As it seems, even from far away, the arch is not a local style, but oriental. Architect used Moors brick architecture here. The Triumphal Arch is also decorated by statues symbolizing craft, industry and trade.

This gateway to the 1888 World Fair was designed by Josép Vilaseca in reddish brickwork in the Moorish Revival style. The coats-of-arms representing all the Spanish provinces were placed around it, with Barcelona's in the middle, in place of honour.

There are four statues of women on the sides of the arch symbolising fame, along with other stone carvings that represented other countries' participation in the Expo. Across the front is the inscription "Barcelona rep les nacions (Barcelona Welcomes The Nations)".

September 2005

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Built as the archway entrance for the 1888 Universal Exhibition, the arch is found at a large promenade leading up to the Park of the Ciutadella. Across the front it reads "Barcelona Welcomes The Nations".

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This, to me, was worth a look because all the monumental arcs I've seen before have been made of white stone. The one in Barcelona was constructed in the late 1800's. It's made primarily of red brick and has a Moorish appearance, which was a nice surprise.
There is a palm-lined promenade between the arc and Parc de la Ciutadella— makes for a pleasant evening stroll.

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Many cities have Triumphal Archs. The most famous is in Paris. But I have seen them in cities ranging from New York to Marseilles. The Arc de la Triomf in Barcelona, Spain is very beautiful but much much smaller than the one in Paris. It was originally build to be part of the grand entrance to the Exhibition of 1888 held in Barcelona. There are also numerous monuments and statues lining the walk to the Arc that are worth seeing and investigating.

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This amazing arch, designed by the architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas and built as the main entry to the Barcelona Universal exhibition, is situated at the end of a wide promenade, going to the Parc de la Ciutadella, were took place the exhibition in 1888.

The brick design has a series of embossed images that depict allegorical scenes of industry, traditional craft work and business. The front frieze was designed by Josep Reynes and represents the city of Barcelona welcoming visitors to the Exhibition fair. The opposite frieze contains a stone carving named "Recompense", a work from the earliest period of Josep Llimona.