How did a 19th-century Catalan poet become the focus of such a grand monument? We are standing before the Monument a Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer. It honors Jacint Verdaguer i Santaló. He was a renowned Catalan-language epic poet.
This square is Plaça de Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer. Locals often call it Plaça Verdaguer. It sits where Avinguda Diagonal and Passeig de Sant Joan meet.
The Monument a Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer stands proudly in this square. It was erected to honor Verdaguer. He died in 1902. The monument’s construction started in 1914. It wasn’t officially inaugurated until May 14, 1924.
Josep Maria Pericas designed the monument. Joan Borrell created the bronze statue. The brothers Llucià and Miquel Oslé sculpted the bas-reliefs. These reliefs depict scenes from Verdaguer’s works. L’Atlàntida is particularly featured.
The monument features a stone column. It’s made of Montjuïc stone. It rises twenty meters high. A bronze figure of Verdaguer rests on top. The poet’s head is bowed in reflection. He holds a paper in his hand.
A circular balustrade surrounds the column. Three allegorical figures stand on the balustrade. They represent epic poetry. One shows popular poetry. Another represents mystical poetry.
Six reliefs decorate the base. Miquel and Llucià Oslé created them. They depict scenes from Verdaguer’s L’Atlàntida. These include battles with warriors and horses. There are also port scenes and depictions of the Via Crucis.
The statue of Verdaguer earned a nickname. It is called The Crow. This is because of the poet’s inclined head.
Verdaguer was a popular writer. His books sold well in Barcelona. One book sold 350,000 copies.
The square got its current Catalan name in 1980. It changed from the Spanish version: Jacinto Verdaguer.
The Barcelona Metro station Verdaguer is close by. Lines L4 and L5 serve it.
In 1987, the monument was restored. This was due to damage to the stoneware. Josep Miquel Casanovas oversaw the work.
Notice the large neon owl nearby. It is on a building’s roof. It adds a quirky touch to the scene. The Rótulos Roura Owl used to have a sign. New regulations caused it to be switched off for a while. It was restored in 2011.
The Monument a Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer stands as a testament. It honors a poet who captured the hearts of Barcelona. It is more than just a statue. It’s a symbol of Catalan pride and artistic achievement. Take a moment to appreciate the details. Consider the history. Remember the poet.