By José Arias
El Inmobiliario
The Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration is an invaluable historical landmark that commemorates the recovery of our sovereignty and a pedestal that honors the champions of the Restoration War of 1863.
It is located on Castle Hill, 175 meters above sea level. From this summit, visitors to the "Heart City" and the Cibao region are welcomed, both locals and foreigners who come to the most fertile and economically vibrant territory in the Dominican Republic.
The idea to build the beautiful structure was the result of an agreement between prominent figures in Santiago society. Its designer was Army Major, engineer, and architect Henry Garzón Bona.
Its construction was overseen by the engineer Mauricio Álvarez Perelló and the master builder, Julio César Menicucci Rodríguez.
The imposing monolith is partially clad in marble. It has a 365-step staircase and five floors, one of which houses murals by the prestigious Spanish painter Vela Zanetti.
Its ornamentation is defined by a series of coffered cornices in harmony with Ionic columns. Likewise, its beautiful marble floors and wainscoting are adorned with rock crystal chandeliers.
In its lobby, the bronze statues of the Heroes of the Restoration symbolize the Dominican people's gratitude for their courage and love of country. Among the statues of the prominent figures who fought against the annexation to Spain are Gaspar Polanco, Santiago Rodríguez, Ulises Franco Espaillat, Benigno Filomeno de Rojas, and Eugenio Perdomo, among others.
The monument is a historical landmark in the recovery of national sovereignty. Justo Feliz/El Inmobiliario.
History
Its origins are not as laudable as they would become years later. In 1944, to celebrate the centennial of the Republic, it was named the Trujillo Peace Monument. It was part of a series of works of various kinds built in Santiago de los Caballeros, including the Matum Hotel.
The majestic work began to be built on April 30, 1944 and the first groundbreaking was carried out by the then governor of Santiago, Isabel Mayer, an unconditional ally of the dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo.
After the dictatorship was overthrown, the work was desecrated and turned into a center of prostitution and a refuge for committing criminal acts.
On September 29, 1961, at the initiative of Congressman Mario Abreu Penzo, it was proclaimed “Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration”.
Forty-six years later it was renovated and reopened with new landscaping by former President Leonel Fernández.
At the top of this masterful work of architecture and engineering, one can enjoy an exceptional view of the city of Santiago, surrounded by the Central and Northern mountain ranges and the Diego de Ocampo peak.
Today, the Santiago monument and its surroundings are the center of entertainment and education for the people of Santiago. Artistic events are held there, and on important dates like Christmas, New Year's, and August 16th, it's a must-see destination for enjoying time with family and friends.
Details
In his memoirs, the prestigious architect Henry Garzón Bona comments that the Santiago monument “survived, without any cracks, the violent earthquake of 1946”.
It is important to remember that this earthquake forced the relocation of the city of Santiago from the Jacagua area to its current location.
Garzón Bona adds that the “extensive fill work and the arduous earthmoving and topographical adaptation over many years” solidified the structure. This is because, eighty years later, this magnificent feat of engineering still stands tall, defying the passage of time.
The hours for visiting this historic site are Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Originally published in the 8th edition of El Inmobiliario print magazine.
