Many of us in childhood read the book of one of the most famous seventeenth-century writers Miguel Cervantes, describing the adventures of the knight of the sad image of Don Quixote and his faithful servant Sancho Panza. However, not everyone is familiar with the biography of this Spanish author. And even more so, far from everyone knows that hundreds of monuments around the world have been erected in honor of him and the heroes of his popular book. The most famous of them can be seen in cities such as Madrid, Nafpaktos, Moscow and Havana.
Monument in Greece
Cervantes Monument in Greece adorns the citadel of the Venetian fort. A large naval battle took place near its picturesque walls (on Cape Scrof) in October 1571, as a result of which the united European fleet defeated the invincible numerous fleet of Turks. The famous writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra took a direct part in this battle. He commanded a platoon of Spanish soldiers and was seriously injured. In honor of the writer, the inhabitants of the small Greek city of Nafpaktos erected a corresponding sculpture.
Monument to Cervantes in Spain
The monument dedicated to Don Quixote and Cervantes was erected in Madrid in Plaza de España, near the Royal Palace. The story of his appearance is associated with the 300th anniversary of the death of the great author.
In 1915, the Spanish government announced the terms of the competition for the creation of a national monument that could decorate the palace square. The winner was a project presented by the sculptor Kullo-Valera and architect Zapatera. A monument was opened to Cervantes in Madrid in October 1929, despite the fact that at that time the necessary work to create it had not yet been completed.
The sculpture itself is a rather complex composition of three figures. In the center is a writer who sits on a pedestal in thought, and right in front of him are Don Quixote and Sancho cast in bronze. At the top of the stele is an allegorical globe with five continents.
Monument in Russia
In 1980, Spain and the Soviet Union, as a sign of unity and friendship of their peoples, agreed to exchange "cultural signs." For its part, Russia presented a monument created in honor of one of the most famous poets, prose writers and playwrights of Russian literature - Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin. And in 1981, Madrid officially presented the capital with a monument to Cervantes, cast in bronze. Today it is installed near the River Station in the
Park "Friendship", located on the Leningrad highway.
It is especially worth noting that the Cervantes monument in Moscow is an exact copy of the monument, which since 1835 has been standing in the center of the capital of Spain on Cortes Square. Today it is one of the most beautiful and famous statues in Madrid, created by the famous sculptor Antonio Sola.
Monument to the writer in Cuba
In order to see the monument to Cervantes, installed in Cuba, you must go to the so-called Old Havana. Next, you need to walk along the Empedrado street, which starts from the Cathedral Square, from the Museum of the Revolution towards the city Museum of Colonial Art, to get to Piazza Cervantes. It is here that a monument made of white marble to the famous hero Don Quixote is located. The Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra with a book is located next to him in an old armchair.
Not all tourists know about this monument, set on a very small area. As a rule, large groups do not lead here, and you can see the sculpture only by ordering an excursion with a personal guide or by yourself searching.