Triumphal arch - Porta Regia - Antwerpen - België
N 51° 12.475 E 004° 23.336
31U E 597022 N 5673863
The Waterpoort, also called Porta Regia or Coninckxpoort, was founded in 1624 as a sort of arch of honor for Philip IV of Spain
Waymark Code: WMXYW5
Location: Antwerpen, Belgium
Date Posted: 03/19/2018
Views: 3
The Waterpoort, also called Porta Regia or Coninckxpoort, was founded in 1624 as a sort of arch of honor for Philip IV of Spain, see inscription on the west side and as a city gate, see inscription on the east side. She replaced the former 'Maeyersgat' for the Vlasmarkt and as such was built into the sides. In 1883-84 following the works on the Scheldt quays, the gate was relocated to the Sint-Jansvliet, which was now overcrowded, where it was completely free. In 1933, as a result of the works on the Scheldt tunnel, it was again disassembled in 1936 to be re-established at the Gillisplaats. In 1963-64 it was cleaned. The design of the gate is - probably rightly - attributed to P.P. Rubens; the names of the manufacturers of the carved decor of the gate are known from records: they were Huybrecht van den Eynde (1594-1661 or 1662) and Hans van Mildert (1585-1638).
Twofold structure with parement of white natural stone, enlivened with bluestone and granite. East side: round-arched passage in bossage frame of pink granite, crowned with curved broken fronton; in the wedge: panel with inscription above which coat of arms in a busy frame with water frame and a clawing lion on both sides; a pleasing backdrop of fruit garlands, bows and medallions closes the performance. Left and right, three superimposed rectangular wall openings in various frames and covered with fronton. A broad flat frame marks the building layers, a classic profiled cornice the skyline.
West side: heavily checkered substructure rhymed by half pillars and pilasters, delineated by a reinforced profiled cornice; above: slightly hollowed round arch with Neptune statue surrounded by a classical entablement with wing pieces and triangular broken fronton. Lateral side walls are the product of a - albeit tasteful - fantasy.
Type: Triumphal (Monument/Memorial)
Subtype: Memorial
Location: Traffic circle
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