Santa Rosa Arch

The Santa Rosa Arch[1] , also known as the Bantayang Bato[2] is a monument in the city of Santa Rosa in Laguna, Philippines.

Santa Rosa Arch
Bantayang Bato
General information
Type	Triumphal Arch
Architectural style	Art Deco
Location	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 Diaz

History

The original structure was built between 1859 and 1860 and was patterned after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.[3] It was commissioned to be built by Arcadio Arambulo.[4]

It was built as a replacement to an old guard tower which was used by the Spanish colonial authorities to guard the city from bandits. The current structure was erected in 1925 during the tenure of Municipal President Jose Zavalla.[3]

Local sculptor David Diaz was commissioned to renovate the arch[3] in 1931.[2] Since the 1931 renovation, the arch exhibits Art Deco characteristics.[4]

Features

The monument features four lion sculptures which is symbolically meant to be the guardians of Santa Rosa. These features is the origin of Santa Rosa's title as the "Lion City of South Luzon".[1] The arch also had a structured staircase, a sunburst design on its alcove, and a grand lady flaming torch and features a wraparound balcony.[3] It also exhibits frieze and a relief of trumpeting angels.[4]

Cultural significance

The arch featured in the Santa Rosa city seal.

The Santa Rosa Arch is considered as a primary landmark of Santa Rosa serving as a gateway to the city.[1] The monument is also a central element of the city seal of Santa Rosa.[5]

References

1. Tomondao, Roy (12 August 2017). "Santa Rosa lights Arch for Asean at 50". Manila Standard. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
2. Doyo, Maria Ceres (2 June 2012). "From the Enchanted Kingdom to the Enriching". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
3. "Places to Visit". Business World. 10 July 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
4. Tejero, Constantino (28 March 2010). "Sta. Rosa, Laguna, is also–surprise!– a cultural-heritage mecca". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
5. "Santa Rosa (City)". Interactive Registry of Government Seals. National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Retrieved 2 May 2018. Arch: SANTA ROSA ARCH or Bantayan in vernacular, which serves as symbolic welcome of Municipality. It identify features of town and anyone coming totown could visibly see this landmark since it is strategically located at the entrance of town proper.