There are many impressive shapes on the Barcelona skyline, and one of the best-loved sits between Passeig Luis Companys and Passeig de Sant Joan. The Arc stands some 30 meters high, and its extraordinary pink colouring comes from its exposed red brickwork. It was built in the Moorish style known as mudéjar. In contrast, white sculptures cover much of the arch. A frieze on the front side by the sculptor Josep Reynes shows the city welcoming visitors, and another on the rear, by Josep Llimona shows the Exhibition’s award ceremony. Other sculptures mark the participation of different countries in the expo, perhaps as a thank-you from
Twelve statues of women represent various aspects of the city, and are said to symbolise fame. At the zenith of the Arc is the coat of arms of
Passeig de de Sant Joan and Passeig Lluís Companys frame a wide mall which connects the Arc with the Parc de la Ciutadella. As you walk down the Passeig Luis Companys, look out for the impressively ornate Palau de Justicia, which was built in 1908 and designed by Josep Doménech Estapá and Enric Sagnier.
The Parc itself has formal gardens, a zoo, a lake and a museum, and is one of the most favoured recreational spaces among the citizens of
The zoo is a tourist favourite, especially among families, with a picnic area, ponies, electric cars and a mini train, in addition to the usual restaurant facilities and tourist shop.
Paths wind throughout the park, meandering to the south end where the park leads on to Barceloneta, the beach and the Port.