Columna de los Próceres de 1820

The Columna de los Próceres de 1820 stands as a stone obelisk decorated with relief carvings and bronze sculptures that commemorate Ecuador's independence heroes and their struggle against Spanish colonial rule.

The monument was conceived in 1821 by the Free State of Guayaquil Government Board to perpetuate the memory of October 9, 1820, when Ecuador's independence process began under the leadership of local revolutionaries.

This column serves as a vital symbol in Guayaquil's cultural identity, functioning as a gathering point for civic ceremonies, patriotic celebrations, and educational visits that reinforce national pride and historical memory.

Located in Parque del Centenario, the monument offers free public access throughout the day, with guided tours available and informational plaques providing historical context for visitors and school groups.

The construction process involved multiple renowned sculptors including Catalan artist Agustín Querol, whose sudden death along with his successor caused significant delays, making the monument's completion a testament to civic perseverance.