Arc de Triomf, Barcelona

About the Arc de Triomf

The architect Josep Vilaseca built the arch for the 1888 Universal Exposition, held in Parc de la Ciutadella. Visitors entered the exhibition through it, so it was meant as a symbol of hospitality and progress. It stands about 30 metres high.

Its style is neo-Mudéjar: patterned brickwork recalling Spain's Moorish architecture. That was unusual at a time when ceremonial arches were built of white stone. The red brick, ceramic inlays and slim corner turrets make it one of Barcelona's most photogenic structures.

Sculptures and details

Above the opening on the city side runs a sculpted frieze: Barcelona, as a woman, welcomes delegations from the nations attending the exposition. On the other side, a frieze shows the awarding of prizes to exhibitors. Allegorical figures on the flanks stand for industry, trade, agriculture and the arts.

Four small turrets with stone figures stand at the corners, and the coats of arms of Spain's provinces line the top. Step closer to see the brick patterns: each course is laid differently, with glazed tiles set in here and there.

What to see at the arch

• The arch — red brick and Moorish patterns.
• The friezes — Barcelona welcoming exposition guests.
• The promenade — palms, lamps and benches.
• Street performers — musicians and jugglers at weekends.
• Parc de la Ciutadella — at the end of the promenade.
• Modernista lamps — wrought-iron lights along the avenue.

The promenade to Parc de la Ciutadella

A broad pedestrian promenade runs from the arch to Parc de la Ciutadella, lined with palms, wrought-iron modernista lamps and benches. At weekends musicians, dancers and jugglers gather, children ride scooters and locals walk their dogs. It's one of the nicest places for an easy stroll in the centre.

At the end of the promenade begins Parc de la Ciutadella with its cascade, lake and greenhouses, and to the left lies El Born with its bars and the basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. That makes the arch an easy stop on a walk from the Palau de la Música to the sea.

Tips

The arch is a good starting point for a walk through the eastern old town: down the promenade into Parc de la Ciutadella, then through El Born to Santa Maria del Mar and on to the sea at Barceloneta. The whole route takes 1.5 to 2 hours at an easy pace, with plenty of places to eat along the way.

There are cafés and benches around the arch and lawns for a picnic in the park. In summer the promenade is hot at midday, with shade only from the palms, so come in the morning or evening. At night the arch is lit and the promenade is quieter.

Places in Barcelona: compare and choose

Places in Barcelona rated by YesGo. Click a column header to sort.

Nearby and on the way

43

Palau de la Música Catalana

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1 h · Paid · 10 min walk

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Picasso Museum

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Parc de la Ciutadella

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Santa Maria del Mar

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40 min · Free in the morning · 15 min walk

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How to do it right

• Free to see.
• Best light in the morning and at sunset.
• The promenade leads to the Ciutadella.
• Lit up at night.

Questions