Santa Rosa Arch
Monument arch in Laguna, Philippines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Santa Rosa Arch,[2] also known as the Bantayang Bato,[3] is a monument in the city of Santa Rosa in Laguna, Philippines.
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Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines
| Santa Rosa Arch | |
|---|---|
Bantayang Bato | |
Santa Rosa Arch in 2024 | |
 Interactive map of the Santa Rosa Arch area | |
General information | |
| Type | Triumphal Arch |
Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Location | Rizal Boulevard Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines |
| Coordinates | 14°18′54.6″N 121°6′41.3″E |
Construction started | 1859 |
Completed | 1860 |
| Relocated | 1925 |
| Renovated | 1931 |
| Design and construction | |
| Main contractor | Arcadio Arambulo |
| Renovating team | |
| Architect | David Dia[1] |
History
The original structure was built between 1859 and 1860 and was patterned after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.[4] It was commissioned to be built by Arcadio Arámbulo.[5] It was built to replace an old watchtower used by the Spanish colonial authorities to guard the town from bandits, hence its older name of Bantayang Bató (Tagalog, "stone watchtower").
The current structure was erected in 1925 during the tenure of Municipal President José Zavalla.[4] Local sculptor David Día was commissioned to renovate the arch[1][5] in 1931.[3] The tower above it as well as an external staircase were removed, and the arch has since featured Art Deco characteristics.[5]
Features
The monument features four lion sculptures which are the symbolic guardians of Santa Rosa. These features are the origin of Santa Rosa's nickname, "Lion City of South Luzon".[2] The arch also once had a structured outdoor staircase, a sunburst with face on its alcove, and a lady with flaming torch atop the tower which have since been removed. It currently features a rooftop balustrade.[4] It also exhibits a frieze and bas-reliefs of trumpeting angels in the spandrels.[5]
