Plaza Colón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Plaza Publica
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Mayaguez's Plaza Colón and Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria church (later cathedral), 1898
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 Location in Puerto Rico
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| Location | Calle Candelaria, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico |
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| Built | 1760 |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003085 |
| Added to NRHP | December 3, 1985 |
Plaza Colón is the main public square in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. It is named after the famous explorer Christopher Columbus, whose Spanish name was Cristóbal Colón. This plaza shows the traditional layout of towns in Puerto Rico. On one side, you'll find the beautiful Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Cathedral. On the other side is the Mayagüez town hall, also known as the "Alcaldia." This important spot was chosen way back in 1760, around the time the city was founded.
About Plaza Colón
The plaza has a lovely marble floor. It is decorated with bronze lampposts that are over one hundred years old. Each lamp is held by a statue of an "odalisque." These figures wear special clothes, turbans, and veils.
The plaza was designed after a big fire in 1841. This happened around 1842. Years later, after the plaza was paved, a fountain was added to its center. The plaza has been updated several times. This includes when Benjamin Cole was mayor and also under the current mayor, José Guillermo Rodríguez.
Important Statues
A statue of Christopher Columbus was placed in the main plaza in 1896. This is why it became known as Plaza Colón. The statue was made by A. Coll y Pí in Barcelona in 1843. People believed Columbus might have landed in Mayagüez.
In 1944, a monument was built in the plaza to honor the city's founders. Regino Cabassa worked hard to make this monument happen. At first, there were some challenges. The monument was meant to be made of bronze. But during World War II, this metal was very hard to find. However, the monument was finally revealed on November 19, 1944. Mayor Don Manuel A. Barreto was there for the event.
