The Arc de Triomf is a triumphal arch built with colorful brickwork in mudéjar style. The arch, designed by the Catalan architect Josep Vilaseca, is adorned with a large number of statues and reliefs. It was built for the Exposición Universal de Barcelona (1888), as its main access gate by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas.

This beautiful arch was built for the 1888 Universal Exposition, which took place at the Parc de la Ciutadella. The Arc de Triomf, situated at the end of a wide promenade, served as the exposition's main entrance.

The arch is built in reddish brickwork in the Moorish Revival style. The front frieze contains the stone sculpture "Barcelona rep les nacions" (Catalan for "Barcelona welcomes the nations") by Josep Reynés. The opposite frieze contains a stone carving named "Recompense", a work from the earliest period of Josep Llimona.

The arch is located between Passeig de Lluís Companys and Passeig de Sant Joan, at the end of a wide promenade connecting with the Park of the Ciutadella.

The design by Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas stands out from other well-known arches - in particular the Arc de Triomphe in Paris - by its colorful brickwork in mudéjar style, a style which has its origins in Moorish architecture. The arch is decorated with stone carvings. The front frieze by Josep Reynés shows the city of Barcelona welcoming visitors. The other side, designed by Josep Llimona shows a prize-giving ceremony.

Using bricks as the main material is a typical feature of the rather unusual architectural style the arch is built in. Unknown to many – even to a lot of Barcelonans - is that the arch is inspired by Muslim architecture. The style is known as “Mudéjar” which emerged during the 12th century on the Iberian Peninsula.

The style was created by the Moors and Muslims who remained in the area after the Christians had recaptured and repopulated the whole Iberian Peninsula. When paying a closer look at the arch, the Muslim influence is actually showing pretty clearly.

The arch is adorned with a stone carving of a Coat of Arms on which all the Spanish provinces are represented below a crown. The arch is also adorned with twelve statues of women, symbolizing fame.

The Arc de Triomf, located at the Passeig Lluis Companys, can be easily reached via the metro stop 'Arc de Triomf'. It is also just a short walk from the Parc de la Ciutadella.

From the Arc you reach the Parc de la Ciutadella on the car free Passeig de Lluis Companys. The sculpture Homage to Picasso, the world-famous sculptor Tàpies and an artificial build moat evaluates the road. The road separates the Old Town district El Ribera of the district Eixample.

On the triumphal arch, you will find attached some stone bats. It was the emblem of King Jaume I. (1213-1276) (James of Aragon). Under Jaume I., Barcelona flourished economically and he liberated Valencia, Menorca and Mallorca from the Moors. On 31 December 1229 his troops concered the city of Medina Mayurka. The bat was his lucky charm. Th city of Medina was later called Ciudad de Mallorca and in 1717 it was renamed again in Palma de Mallorca, as the city was called in Roman times.The bat is still the emblem of Valencia and was for example also part of the first crest of FC Barcelona.

You will find the bat again and again in structures of Modernism, the Catalan Art Nouveau. In Modernism were repeatedly used animal symbols, which symbolizes the independence of Catalonia. The dragon, which symbolizes the patron saint of Catalonia Sant Jordi, is a good example.

Above these stone carvings is a detailed stone relief located. The relief on one side depicts a prize giving ceremony and is known as “Recompense”. The relief on the other side is known as “Barcelona rep les nacions”, Catalan for “Barcelona welcomes the nations”. It represents the various countries' participation in the World Expo and Barcelona thanking them for their attendance. By looking closely, visitors can see that the man in the middle bears the Barcelonan coat of arms on his chest.

Surrounding the arch stands twelve angels representing fame. Arch de Triomf is crowned by yet another coat of arms. The one at the top represents the arms of the Spanish monarchs. The pillars held by the lions are known as the Pillars of Hercules, which is the ancient name given to the Strait of Gibraltar.

Why the Barcelonan coat of arms looks the way it does? The crosses, which are red on a white background, represents the patron saint of Barcelona; Saint George. The striped sections, which are red on a yellow background, represent the Catalonian coat of arms.

The legend has it that the red stripes are the blood from a mortal wound the Barcelonan Count, Wilfred the Hairy, suffered during the defense of Barcelona against the Moors in the 9th century. The blood is said to have been painted on the Count’s golden shield by the French ally, Charles the Bold, as a sign of gratitude.

Under the lions, even though it can be hard to spot from ground, stands the words “Plus Ultra” – a motto which means “Further and beyond” in Latin. The Barcelonans are generally very proud of their city and the Catalan region; visitors can even find the coat of arms on the lampposts in front of the arch.

Arc de Triomf is one of the most striking structures in Barcelona. The arch is dominated by its several beautiful stone carvings. Above the arch itself, visitors can see carvings depicting the Barcelonan coat of arms with a small crown above it. On either side of the Barcelonan coat of arms, one can see the coat of arms of the other provinces in Spain. The arch is one of the most loved symbols of Barcelona. Go see it while sightseeing in the city. You can get there via direct flight to Barcelona or to Girona, Reus or Lleida –Alguaire.