Victory Monument (Franco Monument)

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Art · Subcategory: Sculpture · Year: 1966 · Authors: Juan de Ávalos

Popularly known as the "Franco Monument" and officially called the "Victory Monument," this is a sculptural fountain designed by Juan de Ávalos and located at the intersection of the Rambla with Anaga Avenue.

The sculptural ensemble is made of cast and patinated bronze over an iron framework. The work represents an angel flying with outstretched wings, on which a human figure with a sword is positioned. The base supporting the sculpture is modelled granite stone, designed to house the monument’s anchorage inside. Around it, sprinklers were placed from which illuminated water jets emerged at night. The pond has an approximate diameter of 30 metres, closed at the bottom by a wall formed by nine pilasters fourteen metres high crowned by coats of arms, joined by eight stepped sloped spaces, each with five spillways through which water flowed.

The monument was constructed using funds raised through a popular subscription. Its inauguration took place in 1966.

An interesting aspect is that in 1933, during the Second Republic, the idea was studied to erect a monument to the Unknown Worker in this same place or nearby, based on a project by Maximiliano Cánovas.

28.476398, -16.246264