Monday, August 19, 2024

Quito, Ecuador: Eugenio Espejo Statue

I think we can agree that the world needs more statues to journalists, and Ecuador was right on the curve when it decided to honor one here.

Eugenio Espejo - who published the city's first newspaper  is better know for his political work. He lived in the 1700s, and was one of the first people to write openly about the quest for independence for his homeland. You can imagine how well that went over with those in charge. Espejo also was a hygienist, and made some important discoveries that improve the public health of the community. He died at the age of 48 in 1795 shortly after his release from prison.

The statue of him is located Plaza de los Periodistas, located a few blocks from Independence Square. The plaza is located on a steep hill that is without any grass or much shape, so it's not exactly a natural gathering spot. But as the photo shows, it has a view of the Statue of the Virgin Mary, which is located high above the city. This is the world's tallest aluminum statue, and the world's tallest image of a winged Virgin Mary. It was finished in 1975. We didn't make it up the hill for a visit, but the views of the city on clear days are said to be fabulous.  


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