Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf by Vilaseca uses warm brick, polylobed arches, and sculpted friezes to mark the 1888 Expo entrance. Unlike Paris’s stone arches, its materiality and ornament speak to Catalan identity. Conservation cares for terracotta, sandstone details, and traffic vibrations along the Passeig de Lluís Companys.
The arch introduced visitors to pavilions and promenades that showcased industry, arts, and urban ambition in late‑19th‑century Barcelona.
Brick and stone reliefs weather slowly; cleaning and joint repairs proceed conservatively. The promenade hosts festivals and rides, requiring surface protection.
Walk from Ciutadella Park to the arch; late afternoon light warms brick tones; pair with nearby modernist landmarks.
