Monumento a Vicente Rocafuerte, Bronze statue and memorial in Plaza San Francisco, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Monumento a Vicente Rocafuerte is a bronze statue in Plaza San Francisco, Guayaquil, standing roughly 2.5 meters high with the subject dressed in a Roman cloak and presidential sash with arms crossed. The figure adopts a thoughtful pose that gives the work its contemplative character.
French artist Aimé Millet created this monument, and it was unveiled on January 1, 1880, making it the first public statue ever erected in Guayaquil. This inauguration marked an important step in how the city chose to honor its notable figures.
The pedestal displays relief carvings showing Rocafuerte surrounded by people of different ages and an angel, representing his role as a defender of the people. These images tell a story about his connection to the community that residents and visitors can read on the stone.
The statue stands at the intersection of Avenida Nueve de Octubre and Pedro Carbo in downtown Guayaquil, making it easy to find and reach. Its central location allows visitors to include it in a walk through the historic parts of the city without extra effort.
Following the Great Fire of Guayaquil in 1896, the Philanthropic Society of Guayas took charge of restoring the monument after it suffered damage. This effort reveals how much the community valued the monument and wanted to preserve it for future generations.
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