Paseo Los Próceres

Monumento a Los Próceres is a somber but impressive homage to the heroes of Venezuela's independence movement. Like other important monuments in the country, it was built under the dictatorship of Marcos Pérez Jiménez in the 1940s as part of his urban revitalization work and military aggrandizement. A magnificent landmark, this monumental complex consists of a waterway dotted with beautiful palm trees. An obelisk, fountains and two massive monoliths are also a part of this monument. The monoliths bear the names of the protagonists of the struggle for emancipation arranged by rank as well as the dates of the most important battles. Between these walls, two rows of large statues represent Simón Bolívar and the major leaders of the independence movement. This monument also signals the start of the esplanade where military parades take place during national festivities, passing in front of the presidential platform.