Monumento a los Fundadores de Puebla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monumento a los Fundadores de Puebla |
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The monument in 2012
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| Artist | Ernesto Tamariz |
| Location | Puebla, Puebla, Mexico |
| 19°2′43.7″N 98°11′23.6″W / 19.045472°N 98.189889°W | |
The Monumento a los Fundadores de Puebla is a special monument located in Puebla, a city in the Mexican state of Puebla. This important artwork was created by the artist Ernesto Tamariz. It celebrates the people who helped start the city of Puebla.
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What Does the Monument Look Like?
The Monument to the Founders of Puebla is a large and detailed structure. It has a base with eight sides, shaped a bit like a pyramid. Its style mixes different art forms, including some modern Art Deco touches.
Main Parts of the Monument
- Top Section: At the very top, there is a symbol of the city. It shows a colonial church built on top of an ancient Mesoamerican pyramid. This represents how Puebla blends old and new cultures.
- Middle Section: Below the top part, you can see four angels. They are like "Atlanteans," which means they look like they are holding up the section above them. These angels represent the old stories about how the city was founded.
- Lower Section: This part features four statues of important historical figures. Their names are written at their feet:
- Isabel I of Castile
- Juan de Salmerón
- Julián Garcés
- Toribio de Benavente, also known as «Motolinía»
These statues are separated by tall columns. At the top of these columns are special symbols called "heraldic shields." These include the official symbol of Puebla de los Ángeles and the symbol of King Charles I of Spain. Some of these shields have been damaged or have fallen off over time.
- Bottom Section: The lowest part of the monument has different signs or "plates." One sign says, "The city of Puebla to its founders, MDXXXI - MCMXXI." This means it was built by the city for its founders, celebrating the years 1531 (when the city was founded) and 1921. Another sign explains that the monument was built with money from private groups and public donations.
History of the Monument
The Monument to the Founders of Puebla has an interesting history. It was built to celebrate a very important anniversary for the city.
Why It Was Built
In the 1930s, the city of Puebla was growing quickly. New areas were being developed, and Avenida Juárez became a main street. In 1931, Puebla was going to celebrate its 400th birthday (its fourth centenary). To mark this special occasion, a competition was held in 1928 to design a new monument. The sculptor Ernesto Tamariz won this competition.
Funding and Construction
To get enough money to build the monument, a special group was formed. This group was led by Mrs. Serafina Cabrera and Bernardo Tamariz. They worked hard to collect funds from people and organizations.
Founding Date Discussion
Around the time of the fourth centenary, historians and writers debated the exact founding date of Puebla. While the first efforts to start the city happened between 1531 and 1534, April 16, 1531, was officially chosen as the founding date.
Original and Current Location
The first stone of the monument was laid on April 16, 1931, on Avenida Juárez and 15 Sur. The monument was finished in 1935. However, in 1960, it was moved to its current spot. You can find it now on Paseo San Francisco, between Boulevard 5 de Mayo and Calle Avenida 14 East.
See also
In Spanish: Monumento a los fundadores de Puebla para niños
