Santa Rosa Arch | |
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Bantayang Bato | |
![]() Santa Rosa Arch in 2024 | |
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General information | |
Type | Triumphal Arch |
Architectural style | Art Deco |
Location | Rizal Boulevard Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines |
Coordinates | 14°18′54.6″N121°6′41.3″E / 14.315167°N 121.111472°E |
Construction started | 1859 |
Completed | 1860 |
Relocated | 1925 |
Renovated | 1931 |
Design and construction | |
Main contractor | Arcadio Arambulo |
Renovating team | |
Architect(s) | David Dia [1] |
The Santa Rosa Arch, [2] also known as the Bantayang Bato, [3] is a monument in the city of Santa Rosa in Laguna, Philippines.
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 Arambulo. [5]
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. [4]
Local sculptor David Dia was commissioned to renovate the arch [1] [5] in 1931. [3] Since the 1931 renovation, the arch exhibits Art Deco characteristics. [5]
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". [2] The arch also had a structured staircase, a sunburst design on its alcove, and a grand lady flaming torch and features a wraparound balcony. [4] It also exhibits frieze and a relief of trumpeting angels. [5]
The Santa Rosa Arch is considered as a primary landmark of Santa Rosa serving as a gateway to the city. [2] The monument is also a central element of the city seal of Santa Rosa. [6]
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.
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.