Puerta de La Circasiana, Neoclassical arch in Parque El Ejido, Quito, Ecuador
The Circasiana Arch is a neoclassical structure at the northern end of El Ejido Park featuring intricate stone carvings and symmetrical proportions. It rises above a semicircular plaza and marks the beginning of Amazonas Avenue, one of Quito's main routes.
The arch was created in the 1920s as a decorative gateway to the gardens of the Circasiana Palace, a private residence of the Jijon y Caamano family. It later became a public monument and gained new significance in Quito's urban landscape.
The semicircular plaza below the arch serves as an open-air space where local artists gather on weekends to display paintings and sculptures. This allows visitors to encounter the creative work of artists from the area in a natural setting.
The monument is freely accessible year-round and sits at a busy intersection, so attention to traffic is recommended. It serves as a good spot for photographs and a natural starting point for walks through the park and nearby areas.
The structure was moved intact to its current location in the 1980s after the family donated it to the city, preserving its original stone details. This preservation effort saved a piece of private architecture that might otherwise have disappeared.
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