The Triumphal Arch and Passage of Lewis Companys

The Arc de Triomf is one of Barcelona's main attractions. It was inaugurated for the 1888 World Fair. The red brick of the arch has been glowing in the rays of the setting sun for over a century. The structure is 30 metres high. It is decorated with the coats of arms of the Spanish provinces and historical reliefs. On one side you can see sculptures of bats, of which there are many in Barcelona. The area around the arch is always bustling with life, as it is close to several major transport stations. It's a popular place for meetings and rendezvous.

At the end of October Barcelona hosts the architectural festival "48H Open House Barcelona". For 48 hours, more than 170 historical sites (private homes, terraces, museum halls, monuments) that are closed during the year will be open to the public free of charge. Including the Arc de Triomphe! On just two days a year, you can climb the narrow stairs to the small terrace of the arch and see the passages of Sant Joan and Lluis Companys from an unusual perspective.

Passeig de Lluís Companys connects the Arc de Triomphe and the Parque de la Ciutadella. It attracts locals, tourists and creative types alike. In short, on a hot summer's evening, everyone is here! The former are reading, exercising, playing with their children and pets. The latter take selfies, admire the monument and the beautiful promenade framed by palm trees and lanterns. And the performances add to the energy, the sounds and the atmosphere! Children will love it too: street artists put on bubble shows and puppet theatres.