Arch of Unity
The Arch of Unity (Martino: Arco de Unidad, Wechua: Wachaykunaq Arku) is a memorial monument located in the Royal Gardens of the Palace of Carranza, the royal residence of the King, in Cárdenas, the capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie. The Arch was commissioned in 1685 AN by King Manco Cápac to commemorate the unification of Alduria-Wechua, the precursor nation of Nouvelle Alexandrie, following the signing of the Proclamation of Punta Santiago.
Standing approximately 40 meters tall and constructed from pale limestone and local granite, the Arch is a focal point of the Royal Gardens, and a symbol of unity, reconciliation, and shared sovereignty. Its design was largely the work of renowned architect Domingo del Águila, who also designed the Royal Pavillion about 400 m north of the Arch.
History
The Arch was commissioned by Manco Cápac shortly after his coronation as the first King of Nouvelle Alexandrie. It was designed by Águila with artistic contributions from Wechua scultpor Yupanqui Qhapaq. Construction of the arch took over three years, with the eventual unveiling in 1688 AN in a ceremony attended by the King and the leaders of the newly formed Federation - including Alejandro Campos and Vicaquirao Alvarez.
Since then, the Arch has served as a ceremonial site for royal parades, national commemorations, and military processions. At those times, the Arch is often adorned with both the National Flag and Regional flags. In 1705 AN, the Royal Gardens were expanded under the patronage of Queen Alexandra, which also saw new additions to the Arch in the form of four marble statues at the base of the arch, depicting allegorical figures. The surrounding area was lined with new floral terraces and semicircular reflecting pools to the west and east.
In 1739 AN, the Arch and the surrounding Royal Gardens were the scene of heavy fighting as part of the Spring Crisis of 1739. The susbequent public protests, promoted by the Federal Royal Guards, centered around the Arch, a public symbol of sovereignty and unity. Although the unrest was later resolved, with the authority of King Sinchi Roca II restored at the Palace of Carranza, the Arch has since become a symbol not only of unity but also democracy and liberty. Since then, it has become a site for civic demonstrations, public speeches, and a venue for the National Unity Day.
Description
The Arch rises from a broad, circular plaza paved with marble, surrounded by flowerbeds and two avenues of linden trees on both sides. The structure consoists of a single grand arch, adorned with bas-reliefs depicting key moments in New Alexandrien history - among them, the Proclamation of Punta Santiago, the 1st Cortes Federales, and the Crowing of Manco Cápac. On top of the Arch stand the Coat of Arms, as well as the sculpture known as the 'Abrazo de Los Pueblos', depicting a Wechua woman clasping hands with an Aldurian man. The rising sun, a symbol of Nouvelle Alexandrie, shines above them. At the base stand four marble statues known as the 'Damas de la Unitad', each in one corner of the arch. The text on the southern side of the arch reads: "To the People of the Union. One Destiny. One People" in Martino; while the northern side reads the same text in Wechua. At night, the Arch is illuminated by concealed lighting from the surrounding gardens, casting light across the façades and reflecting in the pools nearby.
Transport
The Arch is served by a dedicated Cárdenas Metro stop of the same name, being served by Line C; the stairways to the platforms rise about 50 m to its south, on the side of the major Avenida de Palacio. There is also a Tram stop nearby at Plaza de la Cúpula, about 200 m to its south.
The Arch stands at the southern heart of the Royal Gardens, which is lined by the Avenida del Palacio to its east; and Avenida Manco Cápac to its west. The major west-east thoroughway, Avenida Martina Guillén, ends about 100 m northwest of the Arch.
