La Antorcha de la Amistad (Spanish for "The Torch of Friendship")

In the center of downtown San Antonio, La Antorcha de la Amistad—the Torch of Friendship—rises dramatically from the pavement like it’s breaking free from the earth itself. Painted a brilliant, glossy red, it twists and curves upward, almost dancing against the Texas sky. At over 60 feet tall, it’s impossible to miss, and it feels like a beacon calling you into the heart of the city. The effect is both powerful and elegant, with its sweeping arcs representing the complex but enduring friendship between Mexico and the United States. Placed in the middle of a busy traffic circle, it’s a piece of art that you encounter in motion—whether you’re driving, walking, or on a tour bus. Up close, you can appreciate the sheer scale and craftsmanship, and from a distance, it stands out like a modern landmark anchoring the downtown skyline. It was gifted to San Antonio by the Mexican government in 2002, and while public art can be divisive at first, this one has clearly found its place in the city’s identity. It’s more than a sculpture—it’s a cultural handshake in steel, bold and unapologetic, and a must-see for anyone exploring San Antonio. An iconic and truly beautiful work of public art.

The Torch of Friendship (Antorcha de la Amistad) is a monumental abstract sculpture by Mexican sculptor Sebastián. The work was commissioned by a group of Mexican businessmen living in the United States, and presented as a gift from the Mexican government to the City of San Antonio, unveiled on June 27, 2002. The sculpture stands at nearly 65 ft (20 m), and weighs more than 45 tons (40,800 kg). The artist describes the concepts of the sculpture as a symbolization of the United States and Mexico running together. The sculpture has many points of view from many angles, which is how he sees the two nations' relationship. "Sometimes it is complex. Sometimes it is harmonious, but the two countries are always close and always with a complex friendship."

I love looking at art architecture, statues, artwork, and buildings, all around major cities like San Antonio, Texas, & (La Antorcha de la Amistad) (in spanish) The Torch of Friendship shows what can the city of san antonio bring to everyone!

It is pretty, and makes a good landmark, but it is literally in the middle of traffic.

The "Torch of Friendship" is located near the entrance of the Riverwalk. On June 27, 2002 it was dedicated & given to San Antonio by the Mexican Consulate as a sign of friendship and to represent the roots many Texans share with Mexico. The contemporary steel sculpture was made in Mexico & shipped to San Antonio in 6 pieces. It stands 65' tall. It was commissioned to commemorate the relationship between the U.S. & Mexico.

La Antoccha de la Amistad - Spanish for “The Torch of Friendship”- is a monumental abstract sculpture by Mexican sculptor Sebastián. The sculpture stands at nearly 65 ft tall and weighs more than 45 tons. It is located in the middle of a traffic rotary (the intersection of Losoya, Commerce, Market and Alamo Streets) in Downtown San Antonio, Texas.

A good example of how art can unite and make a simple traffic rotunda in the middle of a city stand out. It is over 20 years old, but age has not shown up yet.

San Antonio, Texas. What a beautiful city to visit. So much history and a ton of things to do for the entire family. We went for a convention for work. When we weren't working we were exploring the beautiful rivercenter. Amazing place it is. We also went to Six Flags. We had an incredible time. I would love to visit again one day.

La Antoccha de la Amistad - Spanish for "The Torch of Friendship"- is a monumental abstract sculpture by Mexican sculptor Sebastián. The sculpture stands at nearly 65 ft tall and weighs more than 45 tons. It is located in the middle of a traffic rotary (the intersection of Losoya, Commerce, Market and Alamo Streets) in Downtown San Antonio, Texas.

It's at the intersection. So you can't really go and take pictures. But it's beautiful.

Torch of friendship is a unique sculpture in downtown San Antonio. Really right in the middle of a busy intersection. Overall great sculpture and very eye catching whether day or night. Be sure to pay attention where you're walking as your looking at this sculpture.

This monument called La Antorcha de la Amistad (Spanish for "The Torch of Friendship"), was a gift from the Mexican government. It is a 65 ft tall sculpture that weighs over 45 tons. It was unveiled on June 27, 2002. You can find it in downtown San Antonio, TX. It is within a circular area where cars drive around the circle, like a Roundabout. The four streets converge here are Losoya, Commerce, Market, and Alamo Streets. The beautiful, simple yet twisting sculpture symbolizes "...two countries, two languages, two cultures." According to Wikipedia, this site was controversial because according to many it was where the prisoners captured during the Battle of the Alamo were executed. I wished I had more time to take a few better pictures, but we were off and running and I was lucky enough to quickly snap a few pictures from across the street.

Not to be confused with The Torch of Friendship on Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami, San Antonio's Torch -- more accurately called by its Spanish translation, La Antorcha de la Amistad -- has been a mainstay of downtown San Antonio since its unveiling in in 2002. An abstract sculpture by Mexican sculptor Sebastián, the blood-orange-colored sculpture rises 65 feet in the sky and weighs in the neighborhood of 45 tons. It can be described relatively simply: two parallel posts go up, and twist like a pretzel at the top. Commissioned by Mexican businessmen, most believe it symbolically represents the somewhat harmonious, somewhat complicated, but always intertwined relationship between our two nations. It's an incredible sight to see ... and I recommend seeing it both day and night (the lighting is quite good). It doesn't fit the aesthetic of downtown San Antonio, which isn't a point lost on the people of the city (many of whom didn't want it). Still, it's an exceptional piece. My only beef comes in its location: On an island at the busy intersection of Losoya and Commerce. It's hard to get right under it. Move it, City of San Antonio, or build a park around it! It's a great piece and quickly becoming a primary symbol of a great city.

The La Antorcha de la Amistad "Torch of Friendship" is a beautiful monument located in downtown San Antonio. The ginormous sculpture is difficult to miss; standing nearly 65 feet tall and bright red. If you can see Tower of Americas, Hilton de Palacio & Shops at Riverwalk; you've made it. La Antorcha de la Amistad was presented to San Antonio, Texas as a gift from the Mexican government in 2002. It represents a symbol peace shared between the two destinations. I'm glad to have made La Antorcha's acquaintance. ~Christy

As we strolled around the sweet spot of downtown San Antonio, amid the Convention Center, hotels and Riverwalk entrances, we bumped into this hard to miss eye catching sculpture. It's called the "Torch of Friendship" and it represents the shared heritage and commercial ties between so many Texans and Mexico. It was given to San Antonio by the Mexican Consulate in 2002. It's a very impressive bright red-orange steel structure measuring 65 feet tall and weighing 50 tons.

It would be difficult to miss this in a visit to SA. It's in the heart of downtown and we passed in multiple times in our travels. The bright color and interesting shape really pops. It's definitely worth checking out from a distance and up close.

This 65 foot tall sculpture, created by the artist Sebastian, was presented as a gift from the Mexican government to the city of San Antonio in 2002. It is meant to be a symbol of friendship and unity between Mexico, the US and Canada. The sculpture is constantly illuminated and its gorgeous red hue changes with the lighting. A plaque near the sculpture includes the following quote by the artist: "...it reflects the different facets of the relationship between our countries: sometimes festive, at times complex, at times very strong, but at the end, integrated and harmonious." -Sebastian Five stars for the concept this sculpture represents in recognizing a complex friendship between countries, and five stars for a beautiful reminder to celebrate our own relationships.

I love the significance of this sculpture. We should never forget that it's always right to be kind to our neighbors. I also adore the color! When you're walking to the Hemisphere Tower, the Alamo you can easily see this.

I don't know how to properly review a monument, but I'm giving it 4 stars anyway. It's tall. It's colorful. It's probably also got some historical background to it, but the various times I walked by it, I couldn't get through traffic quick enough to go see the details. I also couldn't stand to be told by the crosswalk voice to "wait, wait, wait," and so I observed from a distance.

While we were navigating back to the parking garage we happened upon this cool piece of art. It's an impressive structure and was really beautiful at night. I recommend actually crossing the street and looking at it from underneath because the design elements on the inside are very impressive. I snapped a photo and then looked up what it was when I got home. It's even more beautiful once you know that it was a gift from Mexico and symbolizes the sometimes complicated and harmonious relationship of the two nations.

I like that this commemorates the friendship between the US, Canada and Mexico. It's a cool landmark. I enjoyed looking down at it from buildings and I enjoyed looking up at it from the ground.

This statue is beautiful- make sure you visit it on a walking tour or even a river cruise. Friendship is awesome and when you can visit this torch with a friend and share a fun memory it makes it even better!

Wandering through the streets of San Antonio, in the distance a giant red structure arose through a gap in the streets. Since I was headed in that direction already and was infused with curiosity, I stopped to ponder the structure. It's purpose was inscrutable and signage is notably absent. "This is probably some high-brow obscure metaphorical tribute to the tragedy of the nearly extinct Amami Spiny Rat of Japan" I groused. And I figured that I would probably never know the full story of this monument. But, amazingly, sitting in a café across the street was the sculptor, Sebastian! He then granted me the privilege of sitting down and interviewing him over a cup of coffee. Me: "Thank you for sitting down and taking the time to talk to me." S: "I am always happy to explain the wonders of art to the masses." Me: (clears throat) "So, how do you like San Antonio?" S: "I like it very much. It's a wonderful place, rich in history and culture." Me: "Okay. So tell me a little bit about the sculpture. What's it for?" S: "Well, originally I was designing it as a tribute to the Amami Spiny Rat of Japan...." Me: "HA! I KNEW IT!" S: ".....but then a member of the Association of Mexican Entrepreneurs of San Antonio was walking by and remarked how it would be great as a symbol of the growing ties between Mexico and the United States. So I went with that." Me: (nodding) "I can see that. So what's with the single name, Sebastian? Weren't you born Enrique Carbajal?" S: "Yes, but once you become important, it is necessary to change your name to a single word. Once you become famous, your works no longer are constrained by the normal boundaries of morality, time, space...." Me: "Please stop. Forget I asked the question." (uncomfortable silence) Me: "What is it about the symbolism of fire that you were trying to convey here?" S: "Fire is the origin of friendship. In the same way that people share food over a fire, the torch signifies the friendship, strength and creativity of relationships. This is what fire does." Me: "Doesn't it also burn down houses?" S: (gets up and walks away) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Disclaimer: It's possible this interview was imaginary. Disclaimer #2: This interview is in no way meant to demean art. Beyond the aesthetics of art, even at its' most functional, art provides a way to differentiate a beautiful house from a 1950's era Soviet housing project. Disclaimer #3: This review in no way is meant to demean US-Mexican ties. I'm personally happy at the improving ties between our nations since the days of Pancho Villa. Disclaimer #4: It should be noted that Disclaimer #3 does not necessarily endorse the formation of a North American Union and adoption of the Amero as a form of currency. Disclaimer #5: Disclaimer #4 does not necessarily mean that I do not endorse the formation of a North American Union. It's just that you shouldn't read any particular personal preference on my behalf out of this review. Disclaimer #6: The iocane powder is in the glass closest to you.

Lovely piece of art. We used it as our point of reference as we walked around San Antonio near the River Walk.

La Antorcha de la Amistad This monumental piece of public art by Sebastian was donated by the Mexican government to the people of the city of San Antonio. I guess it was sent to make up for Mexican General Santa Anna's slaughter of Texas troops down the street at the Battle of the Alamo. The selection of the site for the statue was controversial, as it was where many of the Alamo's defenders were executed by the Mexican soldiers following the battle. The statue displays two parallel columns rising from the intersection, symbolizing two parallel cultures, languages, and nations rising up together, and intersecting at the top like a flame, in interesting and exciting ways. It's a nice piece of art, and a great landmark to hang out in front of and watch the traffic go by. Just please be sure to use the crosswalks, as it's a strange roundabout intersection for Texan drivers.

It doesn't look like a torch but it's a great landmark as you're walking around and are not too familiar with the streets. It's pretty cool looking and adds color to the twilight sky which as a photographer I get excited about. I guess the message the torch has is kind of like "sorry we killed all those people", but hey, that's not for me to decide and a lot of bad things have happened in history that we have moved beyond.

If your visiting San Antonio, a photo is a must. It is very visual and it's San Antonio's famous landmarks. It's at the center of downtown near The Alamo and the conversation center and right above the River Walk.

A gift to San Antonio by Mexican leaders to represent both friendship and roots many share in Texas and Mexico. It's made of 50 tons of red steel, stands 65 ft tall and was shipped here in six pieces. Unfortunately, despite what it means some people think this thing is an eyesore to the downtown area.

The Torch of Friendship was a life saver during our trip in San Antonio. No matter where I would be walking, I would always somehow find my way back here, and then could get my bearings again. It's very prominent and can't be missed. Plus for large modern art, it's not an eye sore, and makes a unique photo opp.

As public art goes I guess it could be worse but I certainly don't see a torch or a flame. I see a giant, twisty tie from a loaf of bread that has been jammed in the ground but I give it 3 stars for something I have always enjoyed far more than public art; irony. Only Mexico has the cojunes to "gift" us a 60 foot high, enchilada red, statue titled the Torch of Friendship and only the City of San Antonio is stupid enough to ok the placement of the said "gift" literally a stones throw away from where the bodies of those killed in the Battle of the Alamo where stacked like cord wood and burned in the two pyres. You know, because nothing symbolizes the long standing friendship between Mexicans and Texans more than flames. Jesus, can somebody buy these people a historic clue?

I'm always a fan of statues and sculptures and I think it's a great landmark for SA, representing the friendship of North American countries.

It is an eyesore! It does not fit into the San Antonio mood.

This a beautiful landmark and piece of public art in the heart of San Antonio. Many people call it "That Orange Thing Near McDonalds" and was installed as a gift from Mexico in 2002. Not everyone was thrilled about it, but hey, I'm not thrilled about the McDonalds, either.

I absolutely love this landmark of ours. Not only because of what it stands for, but it is aesthetically pleasing to me as well. I remember that corner before it was there, and it was just any other intersection. It is now home to one more beautiful piece of art that now adds to our skyline. As Jai mentioned some people don't like it, or like it but just not the location, but I personally think those people are all poop heads. So yeah....in the words of the great Jamie B. "I'm just sayin'"

Big and beautiful sculpture to stumble upon. Great meaning behind it too.