Monument to Velarde

Monument to Velarde is a bronze memorial in the heart of Santander, honoring one of the heroes of Spain's War of Independence. It stands at the entrance to Plaza de Velarde (also known as Plaza Porticada), right by Calle Calvo Sotelo and close to the start of the seafront promenade Paseo de Pereda — a spot that has long served as a natural resting point while exploring the old town.

Who was Velarde, and why does Santander have a monument to him?

Pedro Velarde was born in Muriedas, just outside Santander, and together with Luis Daoíz led the Madrid uprising of May 2, 1808 — the event that sparked Spanish resistance against the Napoleonic occupation. Both artillery officers died that day defending their barracks against French troops, and they became lasting symbols of national resistance in Spanish history. The monument in Santander is the region's tribute to its native son; a separate monument honoring both officers together stands in Madrid and in Segovia, but the one in Santander is dedicated to Velarde alone.

What will you see on site?

The monument shows Velarde in military uniform, sword in hand, standing beside a cannon mounted on its carriage, with his cape draped over it — a composition meant to capture the drama of the moment he died. The bronze figure was cast from melted-down cannons taken from the artillery park in Seville, with the casting itself carried out at the renowned Trubia gun factory in Asturias — a detail that adds a symbolic layer to the piece, turning weapons of war into a memorial to a fallen hero. The statue rests on a stone pedestal decorated with inscriptions and reliefs recounting the events of 1808.

The monument was unveiled on May 2, 1880, on the anniversary of the uprising, a deliberate gesture from the city honoring its own. Over the decades it changed location within central Santander several times, and it has stood at its current spot on Plaza de Velarde since 2007.

How do you get there?

Plaza de Velarde sits right in the center of Santander, within walking distance of the port and the main sights of the old town. The easiest approach is on foot from Paseo de Pereda or the cathedral — the walk takes only a few minutes either way. The square is well connected by city buses, and there are parking options nearby for those arriving by car.

When should you visit?

The monument can be visited year-round, since it stands in an open public square with no access restrictions. Late afternoon offers the best light for photos, when the sun hits the square at an angle and highlights the detail in the pedestal's reliefs. Around May 2, the anniversary of the uprising, the city sometimes holds small commemorative events tied to Velarde's story, which can be a good extra reason to stop by if you're interested in the history behind it.

Why is it worth a moment of your time?

It's a small site, but a dense one historically — a place that ties Santander's local identity to the broader national narrative of resistance against Napoleonic occupation. For visitors exploring the old town, it's a natural stop between the port and the cathedral, and for anyone curious about Spanish history, it offers a tangible, physical link to the events of 1808.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Pedro Velarde? An artillery officer born in Muriedas near Santander, and one of the leaders of the Madrid uprising on May 2, 1808, against the Napoleonic occupation. He was killed that day in the fighting.

Where exactly does the monument stand? On Plaza de Velarde (Plaza Porticada) in central Santander, by Calle Calvo Sotelo, close to Paseo de Pereda.

When was the monument built, and what is it made of? It was unveiled on May 2, 1880. The figure is bronze, cast from melted-down cannons at the Trubia gun factory in Asturias; the pedestal is stone, carved with inscriptions and reliefs.

Is there a fee to see the monument? No — it stands in an open public square and can be visited free of charge at any time.