Overview:

The Monument to Antonio Maceo is a memorial to General Antonio Maceo, “The Bronze Titan,” located in central Havana, Cuba. It is the tallest monument in the city and is located at the entrance of the port of Havana. The monument was first proposed in 1902, by the Cuban revolutionary leader José Martí. It was inaugurated in 1933, and its sculptures, by the French artist Jean-Baptiste Amy, represent some of the main characters of the conflict from the Cuban War of Independence. The Monument stands more than 25 metres tall and is made of four individual sculptures, representing General Antonio Maceo, Generals Manrique, Loynaz del Castillo and his brother General Gustavo, and sailor Count Fonseca. The main statue of Antonio Maceo is 10.5 metres tall and is made of bronze. The monument also includes a series of bas reliefs, depicting important battles from the independence war, as well as a crypt and a museum dedicated to the figures who fought for Cuban independence. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Cuba
Prominent Features:

, the Monument to Antonio Maceo is a memorial, considered by some to be one of the most important monuments in the capital city of Havana. Located in the Parque de los Martires, it was designed by architect Roberto Gottardi and sculptor Juan José Sicre, with contributions from other Cuban artists. The monument is made up of two large bronze figures in a heroic pose, both of which represent the heroic act of Maceo and the Cuban struggle for freedom and independence. Antonio Maceo was a Cuban independence hero of the late 19th century and his statue – measuring 16 meters in height – is the most prominent feature of the memorial. The main pedestal of the monument is surrounded by a large fountain, and the installation is situated on a hill in the park. Visitors to the monument will also find various sculptures and reliefs that depict the struggle for liberation and independence in which Maceo and his fellow soldiers were involved. The monument is one of the most visited sites in Havana, and each year, thousands of Cuban citizens pay their respects by laying wreaths and flowers at the memorial’s foot. This national monument of Cuba portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Monument to Antonio Maceo in Havana, Cuba was commissioned in 1953 to commemorate General Antonio Maceo Grajales, a prominent leader of the Cuban independence movement of the 19th century. It was designed by sculptor Jilma Madera, and was officially unveiled in 1954. It stands in the centric Parque Maceo in downtown Havana. The monument is composed of two parts, the first of which is a bronze, bust of Antonio Maceo, who is depicted in a military uniform. The second part is a massive granite shaft that stands 37 meters in height and weighs an estimated 100 tons. At the top of the shaft is a bronze representation of the Cuban national coat of arms. The bottom of the shaft is surrounded by a star-shaped golden engraving with his name and famous motto: "Death, but not subjugation." The Monument to Antonio Maceo is a powerful symbol of national pride and is seen as a reminder of Cuba's struggle for independence under the leadership of General Antonio Maceo. It is often visited by Cubans and foreign tourists who come to pay tribute to this great patriot. You must visit one of these historical places in Cuba on your Cuba tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Monument to Antonio Maceo is the tallest monument in Cuba and the second tallest equestrian statue in the world. 2. The monument's construction took 10 years and cost nearly three million US dollars to complete. 3. The sculpture stands 60 ft tall and weighs 35 tons. 4. Antonio Maceo was a Cuban independence leader and a major general in the Cuban War of Independence. 5. The foundation was laid by members of the 26 de Julio Revolutionary Movement led by Fidel Castro on August 5, 1952, and the unveiling ceremony was held on April 25, 1959. 6. The monument includes a marble plaque commemorating Maceo's bravery and leadership. 7. U.S. President John F. Kennedy visited the monument during his visit to Cuba in 1963 and placed a wreath in honor of Maceo. Visit one of the famous monuments of Cuba with your friends and family.