Arc de Triomf
The Arc de Triomf, translated: Arch of Victory, is a memorial arch in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was built by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas as the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair. The arch crosses over the wide central promenade of the Passeig de Lluís Companys, leading to the Ciutadella Park that now occupies the site of the world fair. It is located at the northern end of the promenade, facing the Passeig de Sant Joan.
Design
The arch is built in reddish brickwork in the Neo-Mudéjar style. The front frieze contains the stone sculpture Barcelona rep les nacions by Josep Reynés. The opposite frieze contains a stone carving entitled Recompensa, a work from Josep Llimona's earliest period, representing the granting of awards to the participants in the World Exposition. The friezes along the sides of the arch include allegories of agriculture, industry and trade by Antoni Vilanova and of sciences and arts by Torquat Tassó. The two pillars of the arch feature bats carved in stone, which were the emblem of King Jaume I, who ruled over a period of prosperity in Barcelona. The voussoirs of the arch are made of stone sculpted like a large laurel wreath that supports the coats of arms of the forty-nine provinces that formed the Kingdom of Spain in 1888. The keystone of both arches presents the coat of arms of the city of Barcelona, above the rest of the shields and in larger dimensions.Entrance is allowed for free on the Open House day, when visitors can climb the 120 steps to the rooftop and enjoy views of key landmarks such as the Court House, the Agbar Tower, and the Sagrada Familia