Monument to Maria Christina of Bourbon (Madrid) facts for kids
| María Cristina de Borbón | |
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| Coordinates | 40°24′55″N 3°41′25″W / 40.415252°N 3.690414°W |
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| Location | Calle de Felipe IV, Madrid, Spain |
| Designer | Mariano Benlliure (sculptor) Miguel Aguado (architect) |
| Material | Bronze, limestone, marble |
| Opening date | 25 June 1893 |
| Dedicated to | Maria Christina of Bourbon–Two Sicilies |
The monument to Maria Christina of Bourbon (in Spanish: María Cristina de Borbón) is a public artwork in Madrid, Spain. It was designed by the famous sculptor Mariano Benlliure. The monument features a bronze statue of Queen Maria Christina and a stone base with other sculptures. You can see it in front of the Casón del Buen Retiro building.
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About the Monument
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The idea for this monument came from General Manuel Pavía y Lacy. The project was given to the architect Miguel Aguado and the sculptor Mariano Benlliure.
Who Was Maria Christina?
Maria Christina of Bourbon was a very important person in Spanish history. She was the queen consort, meaning she was married to the king. She also served as a regent. A regent is someone who rules a country when the king or queen is too young or unable to rule. Maria Christina was regent for her daughter, Queen Isabella II.
What the Monument Shows
The monument has several parts. The bottom part is shaped like a polygon. It has many words carved into it. These words celebrate important things Maria Christina did during her time as ruler. Some examples include:
- "conservatorio de música" (music conservatory)
- "decreto de amnistía" (amnesty decree)
- "ministerio de fomento" (ministry of public works)
- "estatuto de 1834" (the Royal Statute of 1834)
- "ciencias, artes y oficios" (sciences, arts, and crafts)
- "convención de vergara" (Convention of Vergara)
- "universidades del reyno" (universities of the kingdom)
Above this base is the main pedestal. It is round, like a cylinder. The lower part of the pedestal has a circular design with lion heads and garlands.
Details on the Pedestal
The front of the pedestal faces west. It has a special carved sign that says "a maría cristina de borbón. españa reconocida". This means "To Maria Christina of Bourbon. A recognized Spain." On the back of the pedestal, you can see the year "1893".
On the sides of the pedestal, there are two carved pictures called reliefs.
- One relief shows the 1839 Embrace of Vergara. This was a peace agreement that ended a war in Spain.
- The other relief shows Maria Christina signing a special paper in 1832. This paper was a decree of amnesty. It allowed political exiles to return to Spain. These were people who had to leave the country because of the strict rule of her husband, King Ferdinand VII. Maria Christina signed this while she was ruling during the king's illness.
The Statue of the Queen
The very top of the monument has the bronze statue of Maria Christina. She is shown standing tall. In her right hand, she holds the Royal Statute. With her left hand, she holds her mantle, which is a type of cloak.
Below the queen, sitting on the pedestal, is a marble statue. This statue represents History. It is a classic-style female figure. She is holding a book that has the word historia ("History") written on it.
The monument was officially opened on June 25, 1893.
See also
In Spanish: Monumento a María Cristina de Borbón (Madrid) para niños
