Gate of the Catalan Countries

The Porta dels Països Catalans ( Catalan: gateway to the Catalan countries ) is a monument of Emili Armengol and marks the historic border in Catalonia, which was valid until Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659 and today represents the distribution limit of the Catalan language. The monument is located at the level of the Fort of Salses, close to the French motorway A9 ( European Route 15), which bears the name La Catalane between the branching near Narbonne and the French border. From the initiative of the project by the Unio per la Catalana Regió to realization passed over 20 years. The inauguration took place on 28 September 2003.

The overall picture is reminiscent of the characteristic curves of a Catalan country house. The columns of COR- TEN steel are like outstretched fingers of one hand and form an allegory of Senyera, the flag of Catalonia. The floor plan is crescent-shaped and thus makes direct reference to the national anthem of Catalonia Els Segadors ( The Reaper ).

The sheets are arranged so that they are transparent to the eight points of the compass. According to the ideas of Emili Armengol the gate all people, thoughts, colors, languages ​​and faiths should be wide open. It is only a milestone that indicates where the Països Catalans begin. You should welcome all who wish to enter.