Plaza Grau
| Grau Square | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | Lima,Peru |
| Built | 1946 |
| Official name | Plaza Grau |
| Type | Non-movable |
| Criteria | Monument |
| Designated | 1991 |
| Part of | Historic Centre of Lima |
| Reference no. | 500 |
  Location of Grau Square in Lima | |
ThePlaza Grauis apublic squarelocated in thecenterofLima,Peru.It is located at the intersection of thePaseo de la Repúblicawith thePaseo Colón,Miguel Grau Avenueand thePaseo de los Héroes Navales.It was named in honor ofMiguel Grau Seminario,commander of theHuáscarmonitor during theWar of the Pacific.
Description
[edit]The square has a rectangular shape with rounded vertices, bordered by gardens. In the center theMonumento a Miguel Grau Seminariomonument stands, made of granite and bronze, the work of theSpanishsculptorVictorio Macho.It reaches a height of twenty-one meters.
The body of the monument is a four-sided granitic monolith, with vertical stretch marks and stands of ascending rhythms, which, according to the author, symbolizes the land ofPeru.The stands that are seen at their base symbolize thesea.[1]High height of the main face or front, is the sculpture of the hero represented with his sailor uniform and with his arms crossed, between a helm and the anchors of a ship. Under it, on the pedestal, a dedication reads: "To the glory of the great admiral of Peru Miguel Grau, the Millennium Peruvian." On the side faces are symbolic sculptures about stands, representing men whoreach the heights with difficulty.In the posterior face there is a commemorative plaque of thebattle of Angamos.And finally, the work is crowned by the allegory of fame, which raises its arms towards the sky in clamor of immortality, and that is driven in a mythical ship by tritones and sirens.
History
[edit]
The original plaza dedicated to Grau was built inCallaoin 1890,[2]but was renamed Plaza Emilio San Martín, after Emilio San Martín, who died during theWar of the Pacific.[3]Before the memorials to Grau and San Martín, the plaza was originally known as Constitution Square (Spanish:Plaza de la Constitución) and Victory Square (Spanish:Plaza de la Victoria).[2]
The square was inaugurated on October 28, 1946, during the government of PresidentJosé Luis Bustamante y Rivero.Towards the side of the Paseo Colón, a tribune was enabled for the guests (officials, diplomats, etc.), which were received by a special commission, chaired by theCaptainArturo Jiménez Pacheco.[4]
The scenario featured members of theArmed Forces,Civil Guardand Battalions representating schools ofLimaandCallao.The line was in command of MarshalEloy Ureta,accompanied by its General Staff: GeneralManuel A. Odría,Luis Solari, Juan de Dios Párcos and Manuel Forero.[4]
The ceremony began with aminute of silencein memory of thehero ofAngamos,followed by anair exhibition.After the exhibition, President Bustamante and Rivero, accompanied by themayor of Limaand veterans of theWar of the Pacific,went to the foot of the monument. FrigateManuel Elías Bonnemaison,the last survivor of theHuáscarcrew, was responsible for decorting the veil that covered the sculpture. Before Grau's effigy, President Bustamante read in a speech that culminated as follows:[4]
Admiral:
The dimension of your feat has enlarged over time. In the distant perspective we are angry a symbol of contours giants and present teachings. You had limited and fragile means; But your breath knew how to give them effectiveness and greatness. Your tiny ship has grown, Admiral; And there is a subtle fire power that envy the cannons in the austere silence of the dismantled roofs. Your sacrifice was not unsuccessful or a vain gesture of immolation of those who fell into the brega. Your shadow Augusta presides over our seas; And there is an altar for your bust in each ship of our fleet; and a corner of emotion in each chest of our sailors. The Navy of Peru figures its pride in your memory and the nation, spiritually gathered at the foot of this monument, tells you with an accent of shocking gratitude:
Glory to you, Admiral!
— José Luis Bustamante y Rivero, October 28, 1946
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^Castrillón Vizcarra, Alfonso (1991)."ESCULTURA MONUMENTAL Y FUNERARIA EN LIMA"(PDF).Universidad Ricardo Palma.Lima. pp. 22–23.
- ^abVilla, Deolinda."La Plaza Grau".Monumental Callao.
- ^"Guardiamarina SAN MARTÍN Peña, Emilio".Marina de Guerra del Perú.
