It is made up of three elements that come from the same basalt block from the Porriño quarries . The pieces were designed, cut and treated in a quarry in Porriño. The most recognizable main part is a large door 14 meters high and weighing 427 tons that is located in a large circular hole in the middle of the Plaza de América, above an underground passage that connects the avenues of Castelao, López Mora and Gran Vía. It has a large fountain with central water jets. At the beginning of the 21st century, some groups of flowers were installed in the fountain so that the image of the work was not so cold. The gate consists of two doors and a large lintel . Which represent Europe and the Americas .
The second part is a block located at the beginning of Gran Vía whose shape represents a plow, and the last part is a cuneiform block at the beginning of Avenida de Castelao.
Previously, in the center of the square there was only a lantern with several arms. The installation of the work was carried out in 1990, when the underpass was built to free the traffic of the Traviesas.
Meaning
It is a tribute to the Galician emigrants who left Vigo for the Americas on ships during the 19th and 20th centuries, which is why the city itself is called the gateway to the Atlantic . Today it is one of the best known monuments of the city. It is a good example of the simplicity of the concept and the plasticity carved directly in granite.
Remodeling of the Plaza de América
The Plaza de América after the remodeling with La Puerta del Atlántico in front while it rains and a passerby waits to cross the street.
In 2018 , the City Council of Vigo presented what would be the new face of Plaza de América, which would convert the area surrounding the Puerta del Atlántico into a pedestrian area, thus bringing its vision closer to pedestrians, accustomed to seeing the Puerta del Atlántico from away or in their vehicles.
The Council invested 1.2 million euros in the remodeling. Despite the change, the Atlantic Gate did not move. The new square was opened to the public in May 2019.
Celtic celebrations and other events
Important events are held in the Plaza de América. The surroundings of the Puerta del Atlántico is the fountain chosen by the fans of the Real Club Celta de Vigo to celebrate the victories of their team, in the same square a large outdoor festival is also installed in New Year's Eve
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