Arc de Berà facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Official name | Triumphal Arch of Berá |
| Location | Roda de Berà, Spain |
| Part of | Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco |
| Criteria | Cultural: (ii), (iii) |
| Inscription | 2000 (24th Session) |
| Area | 0.01 ha (1,100 sq ft) |
The Arc de Berà (sometimes called Barà) is an ancient Roman arch. It stands near Roda de Berà in Catalonia, Spain. This amazing monument is about 20 kilometers northeast of Tarragona city. It is a very important part of the Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco. In 2000, this entire area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The arch stands right on the old Via Augusta road. This was a major Roman road.
What Does the Arch Look Like?
This ancient arch gets its name from Count Berà. It is a special type of arch called a triumphal arch. It has one main opening. The arch stands on a base, like a platform.
The arch is decorated with tall, thin columns. These columns have grooves running down them. They are called fluted pilasters. At the top of these pilasters are fancy carvings. These are called Corinthian capitals.
Above the main arch is a top section. This part is called an entablature. It has three main layers. These layers are the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice. The stone used to build the arch likely came from a nearby quarry.
Who Built the Arc de Berà?
The Arc de Berà was built a very long time ago. It was built because of the wishes of a man named Lucius Licinius Sura. The arch was put up during the time of Augustus. This was around 13 BCE.
There is still an old message carved into the arch. It says: “Ex testamento L(uci) Licini L(uci) f(ilii) Serg (ia tribu) Surae consa[...]”. This means it was built "by the will of Lucius Licinius Sura."
People believe the arch was built to honor Augustus. Or it might have honored his special spirit. It also likely marked the edge of the Tarraco district. Tarraco was an important Roman city.
See also
In Spanish: Arco de Bará para niños
