Zonas de Caracas

YDB

This monument originally to conmmemorate the Battle of Carabobo, is possibly the most beautiful obelisk in the city. It has been moved to different locations within El Paraíso. Currently known as «La India» of El Paraíso, is an urban landmark in the city. Placed in a traffic circle in the middle of Avenida Carabobo (now Avenida José Antonio Páez), near the old El Paraíso Racetrack Pavilion. During the construction of the monument, two twin plazas with balanced symmetry were developed, designed by engineer Ricardo Razetti, located crosswise to Avenida Páez. The pedestrian statue of Alexandre Pétion was installed in the plaza facing north, and the one of Camilo Torres in the south plaza. This public space was part of several works built in this urban development to mark the first centennial of the Independence of Venezuela. The monument, requested by the government of President Cipriano Castro (1889-1908), was made by artist Eloy Palacios and executed by foundries in Europe. The piece represents the three republics that were part of Gran Colombia: Nueva Granada (Colombia), Ecuador and Venezuela. Over the rocks a palm tree with metal leaves emerges, on which a native woman stands in the name of freedom. In the 50s, the Alexandre Pétion and Camilo Torres squares, the auditórium, the library and the museum of the Liceo Caracas were demolished to built “La Araña”highway intersection and the monument was relocated in a traffic circle east to Washignton square. Today is relocated in the crossway of Avenida Páez and Avenida O’higgins.