Arco de São Bento, Triumphal arch in Rua Augusta, Lisbon, Portugal
The Arco de São Bento is a triumphal arch at the eastern end of Rua Augusta with six stone columns supporting its structure. An allegorical group crowns the top, representing Glory and Valor in a symbolic composition.
Construction started in 1755 after the Lisbon earthquake destroyed much of the city and took over a century to complete. It was finally inaugurated in 1873 as a symbol of the city's recovery and progress.
The arch displays statues of four Portuguese figures who shaped the nation across different periods. These works reflect who was considered most important to the country's identity at the time.
The arch stands on a busy street in downtown Lisbon and is easy to spot and reach on foot. Be aware that the surrounding area is crowded with pedestrians and traffic during the day.
The sculpture at the top was created by a French artist rather than a Portuguese one, showing the international artistic collaboration of the era. This cross-border partnership was unusual for monument design at that time.
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