Torch of Friendship, San Antonio
The Torch of Friendship, or La Antorcha de la Amistad, stands as a striking symbol of cultural cooperation and unity between Mexico and the United States. Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the monumental sculpture occupies a prominent spot in a traffic rotary at the intersection of Losoya, Commerce, Market, and Alamo Streets. This area is a major hub for international tourists, being home to the famed San Antonio River Walk and the historic Alamo.
The abstract sculpture, unveiled on June 27, 2002, is the work of renowned Mexican sculptor Sebasti谩n. A gift from the Mexican government to the City of San Antonio, it was commissioned by a group of Mexican businessmen and friends of Mexico residing in the United States. At nearly 65 feet tall (20 meters) and weighing over 45 tons (40,800 kilograms), the sculpture鈥檚 two red posts rise at dynamic, non-parallel angles before twisting and merging at the top. The interplay of angles and curves creates a visually unique appearance from every viewpoint, with the upper portion illuminated in changing colors and patterns throughout the year.
While the Torch of Friendship has become a defining landmark, its location initially sparked debate. Positioned on a busy rotary island in a high-traffic intersection, some residents felt the sculpture clashed with its surroundings. However, the controversy waned as the artwork gained positive attention, aided by the revelation that its maintenance costs, at only $5,000 annually, were minimal. Over time, the sculpture has been embraced as a vibrant addition to the cityscape, celebrated as a testament to the enduring relationship between San Antonio and Mexico.
The abstract sculpture, unveiled on June 27, 2002, is the work of renowned Mexican sculptor Sebasti谩n. A gift from the Mexican government to the City of San Antonio, it was commissioned by a group of Mexican businessmen and friends of Mexico residing in the United States. At nearly 65 feet tall (20 meters) and weighing over 45 tons (40,800 kilograms), the sculpture鈥檚 two red posts rise at dynamic, non-parallel angles before twisting and merging at the top. The interplay of angles and curves creates a visually unique appearance from every viewpoint, with the upper portion illuminated in changing colors and patterns throughout the year.
While the Torch of Friendship has become a defining landmark, its location initially sparked debate. Positioned on a busy rotary island in a high-traffic intersection, some residents felt the sculpture clashed with its surroundings. However, the controversy waned as the artwork gained positive attention, aided by the revelation that its maintenance costs, at only $5,000 annually, were minimal. Over time, the sculpture has been embraced as a vibrant addition to the cityscape, celebrated as a testament to the enduring relationship between San Antonio and Mexico.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Antonio. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Torch of Friendship on Map
Sight Name: Torch of Friendship
Sight Location: San Antonio, USA (See walking tours in San Antonio)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Antonio, USA (See walking tours in San Antonio)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Antonio, Texas
Create Your Own Walk in San Antonio
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Antonio is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
San Antonio Introduction Walking Tour
San Antonio, one of Texas' major cities, boasts rich colonial heritage. The city was named by a 1691 Spanish expedition for Saint Anthony of Padua, whose feast day is June 13. At the time of European encounter, the area near the San Antonio River Valley was inhabited by Payaya Indians who called it Yanaguana, the "refreshing waters".
In 1709, Spanish Father Antonio de Olivares... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
In 1709, Spanish Father Antonio de Olivares... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
River Walk Tour
The San Antonio River Walk (also known as Paseo del R铆o or simply The River Walk) is a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, one story beneath the streets of the city. A successful special-case pedestrian street, this walk winds and loops under bridges as two parallel sidewalks lined with restaurants and shops, connecting major tourist draws and attractions that add to its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
King William Historical District Tour
San Antonio鈥檚 first 鈥渟uburb鈥� and the very first historical district in Texas, revitalized during the 1960s, the King William District encompasses 25 blocks south of downtown and east of the San Antonio River.
Back in the late 1800s, it was the most elegant residential area in the city. Settled by German immigrants, the neighborhood was named after Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Back in the late 1800s, it was the most elegant residential area in the city. Settled by German immigrants, the neighborhood was named after Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles