Here stands the Monument a Just Oliveras Bust a tribute to a remarkable man. This bronze bust rests upon a grey stone pedestal. It depicts Just Oliveras i Prats a politician and businessman. He was instrumental in the development of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Specifically he spearheaded the creation of the city’s second expansion. The Rambla Just Oliveras itself is a testament to his vision.
Oliveras was a member of the Lliga Regionalista. He served as mayor of L’Hospitalet several times. His first term was in 1916. He returned to the office in 1918 and again in 1930. His political career however ended tragically. In 1938 he was assassinated at his own garage. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. The only witness could not identify the killer. The killer’s face was covered.
The bust itself is a simple yet dignified representation of Oliveras. He wears glasses and a bow tie. The inscription on the pedestal clearly identifies him. It reads Just Oliveras i Prats 1887-1938. The bust was created by Hector Cesena i Albos. It was erected in 1953. It originally stood along the Rambla itself. Today it sits in a traffic island. This makes it somewhat inaccessible to the public.
Though the monument is not easy to approach it stands as a symbol of remembrance. It is a reminder of Oliveras’ contribution to his city. His legacy lives on in the urban landscape he helped shape. The Rambla Just Oliveras a vibrant thoroughfare remains a testament to his ambition and his vision for the future of L’Hospitalet. This simple bust is a poignant reminder of a complex and consequential life. A life cut short under mysterious circumstances.