Imagine a lone rider. He races across the landscape. That rider is immortalized here in bronze as the Monumento de Pedro Serrano, El Postillón.
This monument honors Pedro Serrano. He was not a king or a general. Pedro was a messenger. He played a vital role in Spain’s fight for independence.
Monumento de Pedro Serrano, El Postillón stands as a tribute to a pivotal moment in Spanish history. It is a bronze statue by Salvador Fernández. The statue was unveiled on December 13, 2014. It commemorates Pedro Serrano’s heroic ride.
Let’s step back to May 2, 1808. Madrid was under attack by French forces. The city needed help. Andrés Torrejón and Simón Hernández, Mayors of Móstoles, issued a proclamation. It called for Spaniards to come to the aid of Madrid. This proclamation became known as “El Bando de los Alcaldes.”
Pedro Serrano, a postman, was entrusted with this crucial message. He had to deliver it to Badajoz. It was a long and arduous journey.
Mounted on a horse from the Royal Mail Service, Pedro rode tirelessly. He carried the plea for help. He delivered it to the Captain General of Extremadura. The message was simple. “Madrid is being attacked by the French. Spaniards, come and save her.”
The monument captures the urgency of Pedro’s mission. It shows him on horseback. He is forever frozen in a moment of determined action.
Pedro Serrano’s ride took a day and a half. When he arrived in Badajoz, he went straight to the Captain General’s residence. A crowd of locals followed him. They were eager to hear the news. The message spread like wildfire.
Copies of the original proclamation are still in Plasencia. You can also find them in Cumbres de San Bartolomé. These locations mark the path of Pedro Serrano’s historic ride.
Monumento de Pedro Serrano, El Postillón is more than just a statue. It symbolizes courage and the power of communication. It reminds us that even ordinary people can play extraordinary roles in history.
The city of Móstoles recognizes Pedro Serrano’s importance. The monument helps visitors learn about this key figure. It also highlights the historical roots of the city.
So, as you stand before the Monumento de Pedro Serrano, El Postillón, remember the story of the postman. He carried a message of hope across the country. He helped ignite a revolution. His bronze statue is a symbol of Spanish patriotism.