The arch was designed and built by the Sociedad de Artesanos de Tacna.
The monument honors the heroes of the War of the Pacific who fought for Peruvian sovereignty.
The bronze statues represent Miguel Grau, the 'Knight of the Seas,' and Francisco Bolognesi, a hero of the Battle of Arica.
It is the main site for the 'Ofrenda de la Juventud' ceremony held every August.
The structure is made from a distinctive stone material sourced locally in the Tacna region.
The arch is situated precisely on the Avenida San Martín, the primary commercial and historical artery of the city.
The Tacna Parabolic Arch, or Arco Parabólico, is an 18-meter-high monument constructed of bronze-colored stone located in the center of Tacna, Peru. It was inaugurated on August 28, 1959, to commemorate the heroes of the War of the Pacific, specifically Admiral Miguel Grau and Colonel Francisco Bolognesi. The arch features two distinct bronze statues representing these figures at its base. It serves as the primary focal point of the Plaza de Armas and plays a central role in the city's annual 'Procession of the Flag' ceremony. The design reflects a modernist architectural approach, distinct from the colonial aesthetics typically found in nearby Peruvian city centers. It remains the most recognized symbol of Tacna's patriotic identity.
From the center of the Paseo Cívico looking toward the arch, capturing both the monument and the cathedral in the background.
Visit during the last week of August to witness local patriotic ceremonies and parades.
Combine the visit with a walk through the adjacent Plaza de Armas to see the nearby ornamental fountain.
Look for the smaller plaques at the base of the statues for historical inscriptions.
Do not climb on the monument base or attempt to touch the bronze statues, as this is discouraged by local authorities.
