Monument to James I, Bronze equestrian statue in El Parterre, Valencia, Spain.
The Monument to James I is a bronze equestrian statue located in Valencia's Sant Francesc neighborhood. The sculpture depicts the monarch in military dress mounted on horseback upon a tall pedestal, commanding the public space with its imposing height.
The monument honors James I of Aragon, who conquered Valencia in 1238 and established Christian rule in the region. This event marked the end of Muslim control over the city and the beginning of a new political period.
The monument displays heraldic symbols connecting Valencia to Aragonese royalty, which are visible across its different parts. These emblems tell the story of how the monarchy and the city were historically linked.
The monument is centrally located in the Sant Francesc neighborhood and serves visitors as a key reference point for orientation. The statue is easily accessible from multiple sides and offers a good overview of the surrounding historic area.
The bronze used for this statue came from cannons and a howitzer that were melted down from a medieval fortress in the nearby area. This unusual reuse of military material connects the region's military history to the modern monument.
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