Arc of Triomf - Barcelona

arc de triomf ba...

The Arc de Triomf (Triumphal Arch) is an archway structure in Barcelona. The arch is made with red bricks and has a Moorish Revival style. It was built in 1888 to act as the main entrance to the Universal exhibition (a World Fair), and was designed by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas.

Initially, the Barcelona authorities had planned to build a replica of the French Eiffel Tower but eventually disgarded this idea in favor of the arch. The arch is located between the Passeig de Sant Joan and Passeig de Lluís Companys, at the end of a promenade leading to the Ciutadella Park.

The front frieze contains a stone sculpture engraved with the words, "Barcelona rep les nacions" (meaning "Barcelona wlcomes the nations" in Catalan). This was designed by Josep Reynés. 

The brick structure is 30 meters high and, unlike other triumphal arches with military markings, it has more civilian characteristics.