monument to the Martyrs of Liberty

Monument to the Martyrs of Liberty stands on Plaza de la Constitución in the heart of Almería, marking one of the few places in Spain where a 19th-century fight for constitutional freedom has been publicly remembered almost continuously since 1841.

What does the monument commemorate?

In August 1824, a group of liberal rebels sailed from Gibraltar wearing distinctive red British naval uniforms, earning them the nickname "Los Coloraos". Their goal was to overthrow the absolutist rule of Ferdinand VII and restore the 1812 Constitution. The uprising in Almería failed, and on 24 August 1824, 23 of the rebels were executed without trial, shot in the back while kneeling.

As early as 1841, Almería's city council decided to honor these "Martyrs of Liberty" every year on 24 August. The tradition flourished under successive liberal governments before disappearing during the Franco dictatorship.

What happened to the original monument?

Construction of the first monument, a stone column, began on 22 October 1841 at Puerta de Purchena and was completed two years later. In 1898, following redevelopment of the square, it was relocated to Plaza de la Constitución. By 1943 the structure had deteriorated so badly that Mayor Vicente Navarro Gay ordered it demolished, reportedly to prevent General Franco from speaking near a monument in such poor condition. It stood absent for decades.

Only in 1988, after years of public demand, was the monument reconstructed and returned to its original spot. The current version is carved from white Macael marble, stands 17.3 meters tall, and weighs 179 tonnes.

What will you see on site?

The monument dominates Plaza de la Constitución, Almería's main civic square, ringed by cafés, the town hall, and historic buildings. The tall white marble column stands out sharply against the surrounding architecture and is visible from most of the square. The site also serves as a focal point for local commemorations of historical memory, and it was recently recognized as the first Site of Democratic Memory in Spain to receive a commemorative plaque.

How to get there?

Plaza de la Constitución sits right in Almería's city center, within walking distance of the cathedral and the harbor. Most points in the old town are just a few minutes' walk away, and local bus stops are nearby.

When to visit?

The square and monument are open year-round as a public outdoor space, accessible at any time of day. A notable date is 24 August, the anniversary of the executions, when Almería holds commemorative events tied to the site's history.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, Plaza de la Constitución is a public city square, freely accessible around the clock.

How long does a visit take? Viewing the monument itself takes just a few minutes, but it's worth combining the stop with a walk through the surrounding old town streets and the cathedral.

Is this the original 19th-century monument? No — the original was torn down in 1943. The current marble version dates from 1988, rebuilt on the same site.

Why were the rebels called "Los Coloraos"? Because of the red British naval uniforms they wore after arriving from Gibraltar in 1824.