View source for Arch of the Centuries

{{Short description|Triumphal arch in Manila}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Arch of the Centuries
| native_name= Arko ng mga Siglo
| image = UST Arch of the Centuries (Espana, Manila; 02-27-2022).jpg
| caption = The arch in 2022 as seen from [[España Boulevard]]
| former_names = Puerta del Colegio
| alternate_names = 
| pushpin_map = 
| building_type = [[Triumphal Arch]]
| architectural_style = [[Baroque]]
| structural_system =
| cost =
| location = [[UST Plaza Intramuros]], [[Manila]], [[Philippines]]
| client =
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| current_tenants =
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| coordinates = {{coord|14.6084|120.9908|format=dms|display=inline,title|dim:30_region:PH_type:landmark}}
| altitude =
| start_date = {{circa}} 1680
| relocated_date = 1954
| inauguration_date = 
| demolition_date =
| height = 
| diameter =
| other_dimensions =  
| floor_count =
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| main_contractor = C.F. Pablo and Son (1953)
| architect = 
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| references =
| embedded =
 {{Designation list
 | embed = yes
 | designation1 = PNCT
 | designation1_date = 25 January 2010
 | designation1_number = 1–2010
 }}
}}

The '''Arch of the Centuries''' ({{langx|fil|Arko ng mga Siglo}}) is a [[triumphal arch]] at the [[UST Plaza Intramuros|Plaza Intramuros]] of the [[University of Santo Tomas]] in [[Manila]], [[Philippines]]. Half of the current structure, the side facing the [[UST Main Building]] is the ruins of the 17th-century arch door of the first UST campus in [[Intramuros]], while the side that faces [[España Boulevard]] is a replica inaugurated in 1954.

It was declared as a [[List of National Cultural Treasures in the Philippines|National Cultural Treasure]] by the  [[National Museum of the Philippines|National Museum]] on 25 January 2010.

One of the cultural icons of the University of Santo Tomas, it is often the site of important campus events. The [[Thomasian Welcome Walk]] is UST's tradition of welcoming the freshmen by passing through the arch. The passing through happens once more after the baccalaureate mass when the graduating class exits through the arch, signifying the completion of their student life in the university. 

==History==
The north side of the present-day Arch of the Centuries served as the arch door portal to the university when it was still in the walled city of [[Intramuros]]. The university's oldest floor plan, created by Juan Peguero, the procurator of the Dominican Province of the Philippines from 1675 to 1677 and from 1680 to 1684, designates the arch door as the ''Puerta del Colegio''. The arch door faced the first Benavides Statue, which was located at ''Calle Postigo'' and ''Calle de Santo Tomas''.<ref name=trota2016>{{cite journal| first=Regalado Trota |last= Jose| date=May–August 2016| title=Historic Visual Images of the University of Santo Tomas in Intramuros, from the Archivo de la Universidad de Santo Tomas|  journal=Philippiniana Sacra |volume=LI |issue=153 |pages=489–535 |doi= 10.55997/ps2009li153pr1|url=https://philsacra.ust.edu.ph/admin/downloadarticle?id=521EB13EBD79A58AE5373B9C08E2BC02 |access-date=15 March 2024|doi-access=free }}</ref>

The [[Battle of Manila (1945)|Battle of Manila]] in 1945 left the 17th-century campus completely destroyed. In 1953, UST rector Jesus Castañon ordered that the arch door, one of the few structures that survived, be transferred to the Sampaloc campus. Carmelo Flavier Pablo of C.F. Pablo and Son, a precast contractor, was hired to dismantle the ruins piece by piece and transport them to the present campus. The structure took the contractor a year to complete. It was finished and inaugurated in 1954 and became formally known as the Arch of the Centuries.<ref name=trota2016/><ref name=villarroel2012one>{{cite book |last=Villarroel |first=Fidel |author-link=Fidel Villarroel |date=2012 |title=A History of the University of Santo Tomas: Four Centuries of Higher Education in the Philippines (1611-2011) |volume=I |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JoVsMwEACAAJ |location=Manila, Philippines |publisher=UST Publishing House |isbn=978-971-506-664-8}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theurbanroamer.com/manilas-pontifical-and-royal-campus-part-1/ |title=Manila’s Pontifical and Royal Campus (Part 1) |last=Aguilar |first=Karl |date=5 May 2011 |website=The Urban Roamer |publisher= |access-date=18 March 2024 |quote=}}</ref>

On 25 January 2010, it was declared a ''National Cultural Treasure'', along with the [[UST Main Building]], the Central Seminary Building, and the [[University of Santo Tomas Field|university field]] by the National Museum of the Philippines.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/182741/ust-spots-declared-cultural-treasures/story/ |title=UST spots declared cultural treasures |work= GMA News Online| first=Carmela| last=Lapeña| date=29 January 2010| access-date=15 March 2024}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:Unibersidad de Santo Thomas Manila.webp|The ''Puerta del Colegio'' as seen in the Intramuros campus.
File:UniversityOfSantoTomas10.jpg|The campus in ruins after the [[Battle of Manila (1945)|Battle of Manila]].
</gallery>

==Design==
===Attic===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch of the Centuries Thomas Aquinas statue.jpg|The south attic
</gallery>
[[File:Giusto di gand e pedro berruguete, uomini illustri dallo studiolo di federico da montefeltro a urbino, 1473-76 ca., 14 s. tommaso d'aquino.JPG|right|150px|Santo Tomás de Aquino, [[Justus van Gent]] and [[Pedro Berruguete]], c. 1473-1476.]]
The statue of [[Thomas Aquinas]] above the [[Attic (architecture)|attic story]] was inaugurated on 21 December 1955. The saint is portrayed as a young and energetic man seated on a chair. This depiction of Thomas Aquinas is similar to the painting by [[Justus van Gent]] and [[Pedro Berruguete]]. 

Two female figures flank the Thomas Aquinas statue. The female facing west holds a cross in her right hand and an [[Anchored cross|admiralty pattern anchor]] in her left hand. The female facing east holds a torch in her left hand, while her right arm rests on a [[winged wheel]]. These two figures correspond to the two fountains on both sides of the arch, the Fountain of Divine Wisdom and the Fountain of Human Wisdom (Fountain of Knowledge). The replica of the façade, the statues, and the bas-relief panels were also done by Carmelo Flavier Pablo.<ref name=trota2016/>

Directly above the arch is the main inscription, which is different on both sides. Flanking the main inscriptions are four bas-relief panels depicting the life of Thomas Aquinas.<ref name=trota2016/><ref name=coronel2022>{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CI64-Arch-of-the-Centuries.pdf |last=Coronel |first=Louie |author-link= |date=3 June 2022 |title=Triumpant exit through the Arch of the centuries |location=Manila, Philippines |publisher=University of Santo Tomas |page=}}</ref>
* Two angels giving him the girdle of chastity (Southwest panel).
* Thomas Aquinas speaking to an icon of the crucified Christ (Southeast panel).
* Thomas Aquinas and the Eucharist (Northeast panel).
* Thomas Aquinas taught by Saints Peter and Paul (Northwest panel).
<gallery mode="packed" heights="140">
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch of the Centuries Panel 1.jpg|Southwest panel
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch of the Centuries Panel 2.jpg|Southeast panel
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch of the Centuries Panel 3.jpg|Northeast panel
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch of the Centuries Panel 4.jpg|Northwest panel
</gallery>

Below the main inscription is a coat of arms that features a double-headed eagle. The [[Coat of arms of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|coat of arms]] is similar to the one used by [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles I]], the King of Spain when the Philippines was discovered.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://clements.umich.edu/imperial-spanish-symbolism-pillars-of-hercules/ |title=Imperial Spanish Symbolism: The Pillars of Hercules |work= Clements Library| date=9 October 2019| access-date=14 March 2024}}</ref>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="140">
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch of the Centuries Habsburg front.jpg|Coat of arms in front
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch Habsburg back.jpg|Coat of arms in the back
File:Greater Coat of Arms of Charles V Holy Roman Emperor, Charles I as King of Spain.svg|[[Coat of arms of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Coat of Arms of King Charles I of Spain]].
</gallery>

===Main section===
The main façade consists of two columns on each side of the archway. The columns are of [[Doric order]]. The [[spandrels]] of the archway consists of [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] reliefs.<ref name=coronel2022/>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="240">
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch of the Centuries front columns.jpg|Columns on the south (front) side
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch of the Centuries main.jpg|The main arch way
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch Columns back.jpg|Columns on the north (back) side
</gallery>

==Inscriptions==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="140">
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch Attic Front.jpg|South inscription
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch Attic Back.jpg|North inscription
</gallery>
The main inscription on the south (front) [[Attic (architecture)|attic]] reads: 
:{{smallcaps|{{nocaps|Ecclesiae Lvmini Orbis Illvminatori <br> Capacitatis Abysso <br> Theologorvm Theologo, Doctorum Maximo <br> Scientiarvm Omnivm Architecto <br> Divinae Volvntatis Fidelissimo Interpreti <br> Angelico Doctoris S. Thomae Aqvinati <br> Hoc Svb Ipsvs Angelica Tutela Manilanvm Collegivm <br> Favste Ac Feliciter Avctvm <br> D.O.S.O.}}}}

:To the light of the church, illuminator of the world <br> Abyss of learning <br> Theologian of theologians, greatest of doctors <br> Architect of all sciences <br> Most faithful interpreter of the will of God <br> Angelic doctor Saint Thomas Aquinas <br> This college in Manila is auspiciously and felicitously expanded <br> under his angelic tutelage.

The main inscription at the north (back) [[Attic (architecture)|attic]] reads: 
:{{smallcaps|{{nocaps| Anno MDCCCCLV <br> Ab Electo Patrono <br> Divo Thoma Angelico Doctore <br> Ominum <br> Scholarvm Catholicarvm <br> LXXV}}}}

: Year 1955 <br> 75 years since the Saint Thomas angelic doctor was elected patron of all catholic Schools

On the left [[Pier (architecture)|pier]] facing España Boulevard is a commemorative plaque honoring [[José Rizal]], and on the right pier is a plaque honoring Philippine President [[Manuel L. Quezon]].
<gallery mode="packed" heights="240">
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch of the Centuries Jose Rizal.jpg
File:University of Santo Tomas UST Arch of the Centuries Manuel Quezon.jpg
</gallery>

The bronze marker on the side of the left pier tells the history of the arch. The words underneath it read, ''Gateway to the history of the finest breed of Filipinos'', a reference to the UST [[List of University of Santo Tomas people|alumni]].<ref>{{cite news|title=‘Finest breed of Filipinos’ |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20100917/finest_breed_of_filipinos |work=The Varsitarian |date=17 September 2010 | access-date=18 March 2024}}</ref>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="240">
File:Arch of the Centuries Marker.jpg
</gallery>

==Current traditions==
Freshmen pass under the arch as part of the welcoming rites to the university. Candidates for graduation also pass through under the arch during a parade after their baccalaureate Mass.<ref>{{cite news|title=Freshmen to be 'initiated' |url=http://www.varsitarian.net/news/special_news/freshmen_to_be_initiated |volume=73 |issue=11 |work=The Varsitarian |first=Billy Joe |last=Allardo |date=6 June 2002 | access-date=15 March 2024}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070929131433/http://webservice.mnl.ust.edu.ph/paao/ACAD_march03.pdf Academia March 2003] [http://webservice.mnl.ust.edu.ph/paao/ACAD_march03.pdf UST Webservice] (originally in PDF but is linked to a Google HTML equivalent). Accessed 15 March 2024</ref>

There is an urban legend that claims prematurely exiting the arch before graduation would lead to a student’s debarment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thou shalt not pass? Rector debunks Arch of the Centuries ‘urban legend’ |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20220604/thou-shalt-not-pass-rector-debunks-arch-of-the-centuries-urban-legend |work=The Varsitarian |first=Justin Benedict |last=Lim |date=4 June 2022 | access-date=15 March 2024}}</ref>

In 2015, [[Pope Francis]] passed through the arch during his visit to the university.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pope Francis third pontiff to visit pontifical university |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/19/1414430/pope-francis-third-pontiff-visit-pontifical-university |work=The Philippine Star |first=Evelyn |last=Macairan |date=19 January 2015 | access-date=15 March 2024}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{commons category-inline}}

{{UST}}
{{Manila landmarks}}
{{National Cultural Treasures of the Philippines}}

[[Category:Triumphal arches]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Sampaloc, Manila]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1954]]
[[Category:University of Santo Tomas]]
[[Category:Baroque architecture in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in Metro Manila]]
[[Category:Cultural Properties of the Philippines in Metro Manila]]
[[Category:Triumphal arches in the Philippines]]
[[Category:National Cultural Treasures of the Philippines]]
[[Category:Spanish Colonial architecture in the Philippines]]
[[Category:20th-century architecture in the Philippines]]
[[Category:20th-century religious buildings and structures in the Philippines]]