Estatua de la Caridad

Estatua de la Caridad is one of the oldest monuments in Almería, standing in the Parque de las Velas at the southern end of Avenida Federico García Lorca, on the site of the former Plaza Circular.

What does the statue depict?

Also known as "the woman with children" or "the mother with her children," the statue represents an allegory of Charity: a woman cradling one child in her arms while a second clings to her skirt. Unlike most stone monuments found elsewhere in the city, this figure is cast in iron. It was created by Almerian sculptor Luis Fernández Cortés and unveiled in 1898, making it the very first statue ever erected in Almería.

Why was the monument built?

The statue honors the victims of a devastating flood that struck the city on 11 September 1891, killing around twenty people, including four children. The disaster prompted direct involvement from the Spanish Crown: Queen Regent María Cristina of Habsburg-Lorraine, ruling on behalf of the underage Alfonso XIII, took the initiative to have the Rambla — the city's main watercourse — channeled to prevent future flooding, funded housing for affected families, and supported the creation of a neighborhood and promenade named after Charity. The statue itself cost 5,235 pesetas, a substantial sum at the time.

How do you get there?

Parque de las Velas sits in central Almería along Avenida Federico García Lorca, one of the city's main streets linking the harbor with downtown. It's an easy walk from most hotels in the city center — roughly ten to fifteen minutes from the cathedral area or Paseo de Almería. City bus routes running along the Rambla also stop within easy reach of the park.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The monument sits amid parkland greenery, offering a welcome break from the denser streets of the old town. Following Avenida Federico García Lorca toward the coast leads to Almería's harbor and seafront promenade. Heading the other way, into the historic center, brings you to the cathedral and the Alcazaba, the hilltop fortress that dominates views across this part of the city.

When is the best time to visit?

The statue stands in a public park, open year-round with no admission or time restrictions. Given Andalusia's warm climate, spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for a visit, avoiding the peak heat of summer. Early morning or late afternoon light also makes for the best photos, away from the harsher midday sun and crowds.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Estatua de la Caridad? It was designed by Almerian sculptor Luis Fernández Cortés and completed in 1898.

What does the statue represent? An allegory of Charity: a woman with two children, one in her arms and one at her side, commemorating the victims of the 1891 flood.

Is there an entrance fee? No, the statue stands in an open public park that is free to visit at any time of year.

How many people died in the flood the monument commemorates? Historical accounts put the death toll from the flood of 11 September 1891 at around twenty people, including four children.