Arc de Triomf

The Arc de Triomf was built as the main entrance to the 1888 Universal Exhibition, on Passeig Lluís Companys leading to Ciutadella Park. Designed by architect Josep Vilaseca, it combines classical proportions with an original Neo-Mudéjar style, very fashionable at the time. Constructed in brick and richly decorated with sculpted friezes, it symbolized Barcelona’s welcome to the participating nations and embodied the city’s modernity at the end of the 19th century. Its reliefs represent agriculture, industry, commerce, and art, while the top displays the coats of arms of the Spanish provinces, presided over by that of Barcelona.