Los Arquillos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Los Arquillos |
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Arkupea (Basque)
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View from the lower level
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| General information | |
| Location | Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, Basque Country |
| Country | Spain |
| Coordinates | 42°50′49″N 2°40′18″W / 42.846988°N 2.671755°W |
| Construction started | 1787 |
| Completed | 1802 |
| Official name: Los Arquillos | |
| Type: | Non-movable |
| Criteria: | Monument |
| Designated: | 1984 |
| Reference #: | RI-51-0005113 |
Los Arquillos (which means "the small arches" in Spanish, or Arkupea in Basque) is a really interesting old building in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. It was built a long time ago, between 1787 and 1802. Its main job was to connect the older part of the town, which was on a hill, with the newer part that was being built on lower ground.
This special structure was recognized as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1984. This means it's a very important historical site in Spain, like a protected monument.
Contents
What is Los Arquillos?
Los Arquillos is more than just a building; it's a clever way to connect two different levels of a city. Imagine trying to get from a street at the top of a hill to a street much lower down. Los Arquillos helps people do that easily. It has a series of arches and covered walkways that make the journey smooth.
Why was it built?
Vitoria-Gasteiz grew a lot in the 18th century. The old part of the city was on a hill, but people wanted to expand the city onto the flatter land below. The problem was how to make it easy for people to go between the old and new areas. Los Arquillos was the perfect solution. It acted like a bridge and a walkway, making it simple to move between the higher and lower parts of town.
Design and Construction
Building Los Arquillos was a big project for its time. It started in 1787 and took about 15 years to finish, opening in 1802. The architects designed it to blend in with the city, using arches that are common in old European architecture. These arches not only look nice but also help support the structure.
Los Arquillos Today
Today, Los Arquillos is still a busy part of Vitoria-Gasteiz. People use it every day to walk between different parts of the city. It's also a popular spot for tourists who want to see a unique piece of history and enjoy the views.
A Protected Monument
Being declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1984 means that Los Arquillos is officially recognized as a very important historical and artistic site. This status helps protect it so that future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from this amazing example of 18th-century engineering and design.
See also
In Spanish: Los Arquillos para niños
