In Europe, triumphal arches are among the most popular and well-known monuments. Of course, the most famous is the one in Paris, but there are others that are also true wonders. One of them is the Arc de Triomphe in Barcelona, a symbol of modernity, progress and advancement. If you are traveling to the Catalan capital, do not hesitate to visit it.
In the mid-19th century, the world was living in an interesting time. The industrial revolution was changing the way people lived their daily lives, distances were becoming shorter, new forms of energy were being discovered and technological growth was taking its first steps.
In order to celebrate these achievements, and also to show them to the citizens of the major international metropolises, the Universal Exposition was created. These were held every few years in different venues, and gathered thousands of attendees.
As the years went by, universal expositions became a global phenomenon, and each city that received the honor of hosting one of these conventions made sure to live up to expectations.
Barcelona was no exception, this Spanish city was chosen as the venue for the Universal Exposition of 1888, considered one of the best editions of this fair.
Many of the monuments, buildings and spaces that today identify Barcelona were created for that exposition, including the Arc de Triomphe, which served as the main gateway to the convention facilities.
Designed by the Catalan architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas, it was built using red brick and stone. These materials facilitated a faster construction compared to other triumphal arches where marble or granite was usually used. That is why its construction was relatively fast and was completed in practically one year, just in time for the celebration of the Universal Exposition of Barcelona.
The neo-Mudejar style with modernist influences stands out and represents the progress and growth of Barcelona at that time, adorned with decorative elements that allude to industry, agriculture and commerce. Unlike other triumphal arches erected to celebrate military victories, the Triomphe Arch of Barcelona had a more festive and peaceful purpose.
The Arc de Triomphe of Barcelona is located very close to the Parc de la Ciutadella, one of the most visited parks in the Catalan capital. Today, the green areas near the monument serve as a gathering point, which locals often use for picnics, sitting on the grass, and enjoying the outdoors.
A little further on is the Estació de França, Barcelona’s most emblematic train station. The Arc de Triomphe also has a very important sporting value, since it marks the start of several of the athletics competitions held in Barcelona. Likewise, sometimes this architectural complex is not used as a starting point, but as a finish line.
All these features make it one of the must-see places in the city, and it is the perfect option if you are looking for a place to relax and take a break from your busy travel itinerary.
Likewise, history and architecture lovers will be amazed by the magnificent finish of the Arc de Triomphe, which stands out thanks to its reddish color, its small upper domes, its curious sculptures and its artistic reliefs.
This monument, like the rest of the Citadel Park, is available to the public almost year-round, with few exceptions. The best time to visit is during the spring, when Barcelona could not be more beautiful. However, the autumn months are also an excellent alternative.
Walking around Barcelona is an experience as unique as it is fascinating, but beyond the crowded clubs and dynamic avenues, take a break, relax and go to the door that gave rise to progress in the Catalan capital. So if you have the opportunity to visit the Arc de Triomphe, take advantage of it.
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