Monument to Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, Bronze monument at Cinta Costera, Panama City, Panama
The Monument to Vasco Nunez de Balboa at Cinta Costera is a bronze statue depicting the explorer holding a Spanish flag in his left hand and a sword in his right, standing prominently as he gazes toward Panama Bay. The base features four human figures arranged around a globe, serving as the foundation for the main figure above.
The monument was inaugurated on September 29, 1924, with representatives from 15 Latin American countries attending the official ceremony in recognition of the explorer's voyage. King Alfonso XIII of Spain donated the statue as a gift to Panama to commemorate this historic expedition.
The base of the statue displays four nude figures surrounding a globe, each representing different regions of the world and reflecting how Europeans viewed this exploration as an event of global significance. The figures convey the idea of universal connection through maritime discovery.
The monument is easily accessible via public transportation along Balboa Avenue, with stops near Cinta Costera or the Albrook area. Since it sits on a busy coastal promenade, visiting during less crowded times of day makes for a more comfortable experience.
The statue was created by two Spanish sculptors, Miguel Blan and Mariano Benlliure, whose different artistic approaches come together in this single work. The collaboration of these renowned artists brought together distinct sculptural traditions to create a monument that honors both Spanish and Panamanian identity.
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