The Santa Rosa Arch,[3] also known as the Bantayang Bato,[4] is a monument in the city of Santa Rosa in Laguna, Philippines.
| Santa Rosa Arch | |
|---|---|
Bantayang Bato | |
.jpg) Santa Rosa Arch in 2024 | |
 | |
| 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 / 14.315167°N 121.111472°E |
| Construction started | 1859 |
| Completed | 1860 |
| Relocated | 1925 |
| Renovated | 1931[1] |
| Design and construction | |
| Main contractor | Arcadio Arambulo |
| Renovating team | |
| Architect(s) | David Dia[2][1] |
History
editThe original structure was built between 1859 and 1860 and was patterned after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.[5] It was commissioned to be built by Arcadio Arambulo.[6]
It was built as a replacement to an old guard tower which was used by the Spanish colonial authorities to guard the then-town from bandits. The current structure was erected in 1925 during the tenure of Municipal President Jose Zavalla.[5]
Local sculptor David Dia was commissioned to renovate the arch[2][6] in 1931.[4] Since the 1931 renovation, the arch exhibits Art Deco characteristics.[6]
Features
editThe 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".[3] The arch also had a structured staircase, a sunburst design on its alcove, and a grand lady flaming torch and features a wraparound balcony.[5] It also exhibits frieze and a relief of trumpeting angels.[6]
Cultural significance
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The Santa Rosa Arch is considered as a primary landmark of Santa Rosa serving as a gateway to the city.[3] The monument is also a central element of the city seal of Santa Rosa.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b "The Magnanimous Santa Rosa, Laguna: A Glimpse To Her Colorful Past". The Mermaid Travels. June 12, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ a b Tiongco, Nonia D. (June 27, 2010). "Santa Rosa: A many-splendored place". The Philippine Star. ISSN 0116-4198. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
Both are creations of local sculptor David "Igan" Dia to all who knew him, who refurbished in 1925 the Bantayang Bato of 1850, made the 1931 Santa Rosa Arch, and the 1959 statue of Jose Rizal in the plaza.
- ^ a b c Tomondao, Roy (August 12, 2017). "Santa Rosa lights Arch for Asean at 50". Manila Standard. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
- ^ a b Doyo, Maria Ceres (June 2, 2012). "From the Enchanted Kingdom to the Enriching". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
- ^ a b c "Places to Visit". Business World. July 10, 2017. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
- ^ a b c d Tejero, Constantino (March 28, 2010). "Sta. Rosa, Laguna, is also–surprise!– a cultural-heritage mecca". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
- ^ "Santa Rosa (City)". Interactive Registry of Government Seals. National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Retrieved May 2, 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.
External links
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Media related to Santa Rosa Arch, Laguna at Wikimedia Commons
