Monument to the heroes of Puente Sampayo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monumento a los Héroes de Puente Sampayo |
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The Monument in 2017
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| Artist | Julio González Pola |
| Completion date | 27 August 1911 |
| Medium | Bronze, Granite |
| Subject | Battle of Puente Sampayo |
| Condition | Good |
| Location | Pontevedra, Spain |
| 42°25′54.1″N 8°38′51.0″W / 42.431694°N 8.647500°W | |
The Monument to the Heroes of Puente Sampayo is a special statue group in Pontevedra, Spain. It was made by the Spanish artist Julio González Pola.
This monument stands in the gardens of the Plaza de España. It was officially opened on August 27, 1911. The monument celebrates the brave people of Pontevedra. They were led by an officer named Pablo Morillo. They won a big battle against the French army of Marshal Michel Ney. This victory on June 7 and 8, 1809, freed Pontevedra from French control.
Contents
History of the Monument
How the Monument Was Built
Two main groups helped create this monument. One was Eduardo Vincenti Reguera, a politician from Galicia. The other was the Galician Centre in Madrid. On February 9, 1909, the Pontevedra City Council agreed to give 500 pesetas (an old Spanish currency) to the project. Later, they also gave the granite stone for the statue's base.
Other important people supported the idea too. These included Javier Puig Llamas, who was the mayor of Pontevedra at the time. Also, Eugenio Montero Ríos, who was the president of the Senate (a part of the government), helped. All these leaders gave speeches when the monument was opened in 1911.
Royal Support and Changes
King Alfonso XIII's government also helped. They gave the bronze needed for the statues. The King's government also gave a special medal to remember the Battle of Puente Sampayo. Many regular people also gave money to help pay for the monument.
In 1983, a large fountain was built around the statue. But in 2009, this fountain was taken away. This was done to make the monument and its area look like they did when it was first built.
What the Monument Looks Like
Figures and Materials
This monument is a type of art called "commemorative sculpture." It was made in the early 1900s to remember an important event. The whole group of statues is eight metres (about 26 feet) tall.
It has several bronze figures placed on a granite base. These figures show a group of farmers, soldiers, and students. They are led by officer Pablo Morillo. He is holding a flag, showing the last moments of the battle.
Symbolism in the Sculpture
In the middle of the monument, there is a female figure. She stands for Galicia (the region) and the homeland. She rests her hand on a shield with the Spanish coat of arms. Her arm is stretched out, inviting people to fight.
At the top, the figure of officer Pablo Morillo is shown encouraging sword fighting. Next to him are a peasant, a student, a soldier, and another wounded fighter. These figures show how the people resisted the invaders. Behind them is the flag and a cannon.
At the bottom corners of the monument, you can see the four coats of arms of the Galician provinces. The central granite part of the monument looks like one of the pillars of the Puente Sampayo bridge. This bridge was where most of the battle happened. It was destroyed after the battle.
Inscriptions on the Monument
The monument has special messages carved into it:
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On the back, the central granite part has these words in bronze letters:
This means "The Heroes of Puente Sampayo Led by Morillo." Below that, it says:
This means "First Centenary 1909," marking 100 years since the battle. |
On the left side of the monument, there is another message:
This explains that the monument was built with money from many people. It was started by the Galician Centre in Madrid, led by Eduardo Vicenti y Reguera. Javier Puig Llamas was the mayor of Pontevedra, and José Boente Sequeiros was the governor of the province. |
Gallery
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See also
In Spanish: Monumento a los Héroes de Puente Sampayo para niños
Related articles
- Plaza de España (Pontevedra)
- Alameda de Pontevedra
- Battle of Puente Sampayo
