Carabobo

Field of Carabobo battle

The Battle of Carabobo, 24 June 1821, was fought between independence fighters, led by Venezuelan General Simón Bolívar, and the Royalist forces, led by Spanish Field Marshal Miguel de la Torre. Bolívar's decisive victory at Carabobo led to the independence of Venezuela.

Now, at the place of battle, a majestic memorial «Field of battle Carabobo» (Campo de Carabobo) has been erected. The decision to erect it appeared right after the battle itself. It was on July 20, 1821 when the Congress has promulgated the Decree to immortalize the memory of participants of the great battle. Because of complicated historic events, lack of finances or respective materials erection of the monument has been delayed for many years. The first monument was made of wood. Neither the monument itself nor its description has remained.

The Triumphal arch was erected in 1921 to the centennial of the battle. The dates 1821 and 1921 are carved on its columns. The Arch columns are crowned with two female figures that symbolise Peace (Northern column) and Victory (Southern column). Another figure, symbolising Republic, stands in the centre of the Arch. The bas-relieves, depicting the scenes of battle, decorate the Arch.

Under the Triumphal arch there is a Tomb to the Unknown soldier, above which there is an icon-lamp with eternal fire burning. It is interesting to point out that remains of the unknown soldier, who died for the «Great Columbia» in Peru in the battle of Ayacucho (December 9, 1824) rest in the tomb.

Two soldiers in the Bolivarian times warriors uniform permanently stand in the guard of honour. In great days the number of guards increases up to 10 soldiers.

The Sanctuary of the Fatherland dominates over the wide square behind the Triumphal arch. The statue of Simon Bolivar, who commanded the battle, stands on its top. At its sides are heroes-military leaders - Santiago Mariño, Jose Antonio Paez, Manuel Sedeño and Ambrosio Plaza.

Latin America / Venezuela

Lat: 10° 0' 16.12" N
Long: 69° 10' 55.99" W

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Precision is: Unknown / Undeclared.

Nikon D7000, Sigma 8mm. Software: PanoTools, PTGui, Adobe Photoshop CS6, Pano2VR, Hand Held Panorama