Places and Spaces: Barcelona's Arc de Triomf

The Arc de Triomf is a triumphal arch in Barcelona which was built for the 1888 World’s Fair in Barcelona. Unlike other triumphal arches which commemorated military victories, this arch was built as the entrance to the fair. What I noticed first was the color, it is made out of red brick and other triumphal arches such as in Paris and London are made out of a grey stone. It has this Moorish influence since the Moors, who were Muslims once lived in Spain during the Middle Ages.

I can see the symbolism of the Arc de Trimof as being welcoming to visitors from all over the world and we can see this by observing people having their photos taken and the joy of seeing something magnificent up close, especially those who came for the World’s Fair in 1888 from all over the world. Along with the palm trees and old streetlights along the path, it is a sight to behold.

The front frieze has the words “Barcelona rep les nacions” (Barcelona Welcomes the Nations) hence the theme of the World’s Fair. Although the World's Fair was over 130 years ago the message in the Arc de triomf is still relevant as Barcelona is a huge tourist spot for every nationality.

On top of the arch, there are 49 shields representing the 49 provinces of Spain and in the middle is the coat of arms of Barcelona thus incorporating local pride with the appreciation of visitors from around the world.