Monumento a Sebastian de Belalcazar Statue

They say history is written by the victors. Standing before the Monumento a Sebastian de Belalcazar in Cali, you can’t help feeling a sense of uncertainty. Look closely: the valiant conquistador stands frozen in time, his hand pointing west towards the Pacific Ocean, his sword Tizona held firmly in his left. It was this man, Sebastian de Belalcazar, who led the Spanish conquest of the region and founded the city of Santiago de Cali in 1536. It was an era of brutality and forceful territorial expansion. Today, after decades of debate, the city is reflecting on the legacy of its founder. The statue, a testament to Spanish conquest, is a stark reminder of a painful past. Built in 1937, the Monument a Sebastian de Belalcazar marks the 400th anniversary of Cali’s founding. The statue, sculpted by Victorio Macho, a celebrated Spanish artist, stands on a pedestal overlooking the city, a beacon of history even if it’s also a source of controversy. In 2021, during tense political unrest, the statue was toppled by indigenous people belonging to the Misak community. They felt it symbolized a history of oppression and violence. The destruction sparked a heated debate and ultimately, the statue was restored and reinstated. The bronze statue, a monument that had borne witness to decades of city life, was returned to its lofty position. The controversy surrounding the statue continues even today, leaving visitors pondering whether there’s more to uncover about the city’s roots. If you are here, stand in place and contemplate the enduring legacy of Sebastian de Belalcazar and the city he founded.