Freedom Monument (Trujillo) facts for kids

Freedom Monument

The Freedom Monument is a famous statue in the city of Trujillo, Peru. You can find it right in the middle of the main square, called the Plaza de Armas. A talented sculptor named Edmund Moeller created this important artwork.

The monument has three main parts:

• The first part is at the bottom. It's a round platform with sculptures that represent important things like art, science, trade, and health.
• The second part has three statues that tell a story. One statue shows a bent man, symbolizing being held down or enslaved. Another shows a person reaching backward, representing the struggle to become free. The third statue shows a man with his arms raised and hands in fists, symbolizing finally gaining freedom.
• The third part, at the top, has three special plaques. The first plaque remembers when Trujillo declared its independence on December 29, 1820. The second plaque honors the Battle of Junín, and the third plaque remembers the Battle of Ayacucho. These battles were very important for Peru's freedom.

History of the Monument

Trujillo became independent on December 29, 1820. This happened when Don José Bernardo de Torre Tagle announced that Trujillo was free from the Spanish rule, which was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru at the time. This big event made people want to build something special to remember their ancestors who fought for freedom.

Planning the Monument

The idea for a monument grew stronger over time. In 1899, a local leader named Enrique Marquina helped pass a special law to make it happen. A committee was then formed to manage the project. This group included important people like the prefect (a high-ranking official), the head of the National University of Trujillo, the president of the Superior Court, and the mayor of Trujillo. Their job was to guide the building of the Freedom Monument in the Plaza de Armas.

Choosing the Design

In 1921, a competition was held to find the best design for the monument. Artists from Peru and other countries were invited to submit their ideas. The committee, led by Prefect Derteano Molina, received 104 different models, mostly from Europe.

The winning design came from the German artist Edmund Moeller. His model was chosen because it best showed the true meaning of freedom and the historical events. Moeller won a prize of 1000 pounds for his amazing work.

Building and Inauguration

Edmund Moeller's design was considered very bold and unique. The first stone of the monument was placed on May 10, 1925. The agreement with Moeller stated that the project would cost 250,000 Soles de Oro. The monument was actually built in Germany.

After four years, one month, and 25 days of work, the Freedom Monument was officially opened on July 4, 1929. The President of Peru at the time, Augusto B. Leguía, and his daughter Carmen Rosa Leguía Swayne, were the sponsors for the inauguration ceremony.

See also

In Spanish: Monumento a la Libertad (Trujillo) para niños

• Trujillo city
• Edmund Moeller
• Historic Centre of Trujillo
• Plaza de Armas of Trujillo