Barcelona Weekend Break

Arc de Triomf

There is no confusion - this is the Arc de Triomf (or Triumf) in Barcelona and not the one in Paris.

Like a number of other buildings and structures in Barcelona, the Arc de Triomf was built for the 1888 World Exposition and was designed by Josep Vilaseca and incorporates a number of sculptures by various notaries of the day.

The arch sits at the main entrance to the Parc de la Ciutadella and the decoratives freeze at its head holds the coats of arms of all of Spain's provinces along with a welcoming message to visitors from other parts of the world. The sculptors who I failed to mention above both had the Christian name of Joseph, one being Reynes and the other being Bruguera.

The arch is primarily composed of red brick and whilst it is highly ornamental and certainly worth seeing and walking under, it is on a far smaller scale than its gargantuan French counterpart (under which a plane has flown).

Other interesting things to look out for around the Arc de Triomf are the street lights which rise up from ornate stone plinths and were a creation of Gaudi, plus the many attractive buildings that line the Avenue Sant Joan which leads to the arch.

Tourist information

This arch is certainly worth seeing and you are bound to come close to it at some point if you visit Barcelona, but do not expect a giant monument or you may be disappointed.