Cenotafio de Francisco de Miranda, monument in Capital District, Venezuela
The Cenotafio de Francisco de Miranda is a monument in Caracas dedicated to a key figure in Venezuelan independence, located within the National Pantheon. The work of Italian sculptor Julio Roversi features an open-doored mausoleum with Miranda's statue in military uniform atop a pedestal, accompanied by symbolic sculptural elements including an eagle and a figure representing freedom.
The cenotaph was inaugurated in 1896 by President Joaquín Crespo as a memorial to Miranda since his remains do not rest in Venezuela. Miranda was captured by Spanish forces after the First Republic fell in 1812 and spent his final years until his death in 1816 imprisoned in Spain, including La Carraca prison in Cádiz.
The monument stands in the National Pantheon, a space where Venezuela honors its most important figures from the independence period. July 5 marks a national celebration with parades through Caracas, when people gather to remember Miranda and those who fought for freedom.
The monument is located in the National Pantheon in Altagracia parish in central Caracas and is easy to access while exploring the city. The site is calm and often visited by guides who explain the history, creating a respectful experience.
Miranda was not buried in Venezuela but was interred in a mass grave in Spain, which is why a cenotaph was built instead of a traditional tomb. In 1896 artist Arturo Michelena created a famous painting of Miranda in his La Carraca prison cell, capturing his final time before his death in 1816.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
