Barcelona's Arc de Triomphe is set in a city full of symbols and monuments that form a unique and ever-recognizable skyline.
You'll be amazed by its size, architecture and beauty.
Today, I'm going to tell you more about its history and all that's behind this monument located at the intersection of the Paseo de Lluís Companys, the Paseo de San Juan and the Ronda de San Pedro.
Arc de Triomphe in Barcelona: article summary
The story behind Barcelona's Arc de Triomphe
In 1888, Barcelona's Arc de Triomphe served as the gateway to the Universal Exhibition held in the city. That year, it became a majestic embellishment of the present-day Paseo de Lluís Companys.
At the end of the XIXᵉ century, world fairs became events of high social prestige, as the city hosting them became world-famous for various aspects: artistic, economic, industrial and scientific.
The triumphal arch was also erected as a symbolic entrance to modern Barcelona, an allegory of its growth and development.
It is a 30-metre-high, neo-Mudéjar-style, red-brick monument where you can see the eclecticism typical of Catalan modernismso fashionable at the time.
Triumphal arches are usually built to honor a military victory, but in the case of Barcelona's Arc de Triomphe, it's a complete civil construction representing the city's progress.
It was restored in 1990 and is now a much-visited spot in the Catalan capital. It is also the stage for musical and cultural events.
What can you see at Barcelona's Arc de Triomphe?
Architect Josep Vilaseca designed a monument of classical proportions and striking decoration, full of beauty and symbolic essence. Barcelona and its openness to the outside world and the modern world has a special place here.
On the side overlooking the Paseo de Sant Joan, you can see Josep Reynés' work in which the city receives the various nations, a relief entitled "Adhésion des Nations au Concours Universel".
In the center, you can see a female figure representing Barcelona with the city's shield on her chest. On one side, you'll find the Earth goddess Cybele, followed by other figures with a specific mythological aspect. On the other side is the goddess Athena with a shield on which are engraved the letters P for progress and F for happinessalso flanked by other female figures.
This ensemble is presided over by the shield of the Spanish monarchy, with the royal crown and the collar of the golden fleece, with two lions on either side.
Superb side friezes
There's no shortage of sculptures on the sides. One of them features allegories of Industry, Agriculture and Commerce.
In the center, you'll find Athena with an olive branch and a bunch of grapes. There's also talk that this could be the goddess Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. She is surrounded by several figures carrying products of the earth, and the god Mercury, to their left, represents commerce. Notice what symbolizes industry in a cogwheel worn by one of the characters.
Alongside industry, there are the Arts and Sciences. The figure of Apollo presides over this relief. He points to the Arts with his left hand and holds a flame with his right, alluding to science, which translates into progress. Also included are the muses of music and dance, Euterpe and Terpsichore, among other allegorical sculptures.
The famas on the buttresses of the Arc de Triomphe
The winged sculptures in the buttresses, known as famas, are the work of Manuel Fuxà and Pere Carbonell. All in all, there are 12 famas in the eight towers. They embody the self-esteem that Catalonia is recovering and its introduction among other nations, another symbol of the progress that the construction of this arch is intended to show.
Finally, in the curve of the arch, you can contemplate the shield of Barcelona, surrounded by the shields of other Spanish provinces. In all, there are 24 shields on each side of this impressive monument.
How do I get there?
To get to Barcelona's Arch of Triumph, I recommend you take public transport. It's fast and takes you right up to the monument. You can take :
Without doubt, Barcelona's Arc de Triomphe is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. A monument steeped in history you're sure to enjoy photographing during your visit to the city.
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