Santa Rosa Arch

Santa Rosa Arch
Bantayang Bato
Santa Rosa Arch in 2024
General information
TypeTriumphal Arch
Architectural style
Art Deco
LocationRizal Boulevard
Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines
Coordinates14°18′54.6″N 121°6′41.3″E / 14.315167°N 121.111472°E / 14.315167; 121.111472
Construction started
1859
Completed
1860
Relocated1925
Renovated1931
Design and construction
Main contractorArcadio Arambulo
Renovating team
ArchitectDavid Dia

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

History

The original structure was built between 1859 and 1860 and was patterned after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. It was commissioned to be built by Arcadio Arámbulo. 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. Local sculptor David Día was commissioned to renovate the arch in 1931. The tower above it as well as an external staircase were removed, and the arch has since featured Art Deco characteristics.

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". 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. It also exhibits a frieze and bas-reliefs of trumpeting angels in the spandrels.

Cultural significance

The arch is featured on 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. The monument is also a central element of the city seal of Santa Rosa.

References

  1. 1 2 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.
  2. 1 2 3 Tomondao, Roy (August 12, 2017). "Santa Rosa lights Arch for Asean at 50". Manila Standard. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  3. 1 2 Doyo, Maria Ceres (June 2, 2012). "From the Enchanted Kingdom to the Enriching". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 "Places to Visit". Business World. July 10, 2017. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Tejero, Constantino (March 28, 2010). "Sta. Rosa, Laguna, is also–surprise!– a cultural-heritage mecca". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  6. ↑ "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.