Arc de Triomf

Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf was built as part of the Citadel Park complex for the Universal Exhibition. Visitors would cross under the arch to reach the exhibition grounds, following a promenade towards the fair entrance. It’s made entirely of red brick, quite different to its Parisian counterpart. Its style is distinctly Mudéjar—a unique blend of Spanish architecture that mixes Christian and Muslim influences. Beyond its striking design, the Arc de Triomf also symbolises a passage into modernity. It stands for scientific, economic, and artistic progress. On one side, a frieze honours the visiting nations, showing Barcelona’s respect towards its guests. On the other, reliefs depict the city rewarding the participants of an exhibition celebrating the future. Traditional triumphal arches are usually associated with the military, but this one was built with a civic purpose in mind. Today, it serves as the finish line for major events like the Barcelona Marathon. Restored in 1989, the arch is now listed as a local cultural landmark. It opens onto a wide promenade—the one you’ve just walked up—lined with beautiful wrought-iron street lamps, all designed by Pere Falqués, a modernist architect who was also Barcelona’s chief firefighter.