Monumento a Espartero, Logroño

Monument to Espartero stands at the heart of Logroño, on the Paseo del Espolón — the city's main promenade and one of its favourite gathering spots.

What does the monument show?

At the centre of the ensemble is a bronze equestrian figure of General Baldomero Espartero in full dress uniform, gazing north toward the city and the Ebro river. The whole structure weighs over 11 tonnes of bronze and rises from a tall, truncated pyramidal pedestal set in the middle of a round fountain. Four reclining bronze lions flank the base — two appear asleep, two rest with their heads raised. The statue is the work of Spanish sculptor Pablo Gibert, who created it as a free, idealised copy of the monument to Espartero in Madrid.

Baldomero Espartero was one of nineteenth-century Spain's most prominent military leaders and politicians, serving as regent of the country during the minority of Queen Isabella II. His connection to Logroño was personal: his wife, María Jacinta Martínez de Sicilia y Santa Cruz, was born in the city, and the couple spent part of their lives — and eventually died — there.

How to get there?

The monument sits on Paseo del Espolón (also known as Paseo del Príncipe de Vergara), right in the historic centre of Logroño. It's an easy walk from almost anywhere in the old town — the tapas bars of Calle Laurel are just a few minutes away on foot, as is the Santa María de la Redonda co-cathedral. Nearby underground car parks and city bus stops make it convenient for visitors coming from further parts of town.

The story behind the monument

The idea of raising a monument to Espartero came from Logroño's own city council back in 1840, when a public fundraising campaign was launched. The foundation stone was laid in 1872, but the formal unveiling didn't take place until 23 September 1895. The project's cost — one hundred thousand pesetas — was largely covered through contributions from local residents, a sign of how closely the city identified with the general.

Time and weather eventually took their toll, and by the late twentieth century the monument was showing clear signs of wear. A thorough restoration was carried out in 1995: the original bronze lions were preserved along with the pedestal's tapered pyramidal shape, though the base was enlarged and the overall structure raised in height.

What else is nearby?

Paseo del Espolón is more than just the monument's setting — it's one of Logroño's most emblematic urban parks, lined with tree-shaded paths, benches, and the neoclassical city hall building in the background. It makes a natural starting point for exploring the old town, including nearby churches and the famous Calle Laurel, which fills up each evening with locals enjoying tapas and Rioja wine.

When to visit?

The monument can be admired year-round, though the fountain surrounding its base looks best in the warmer months, when it's running at full flow. Early evening is the most pleasant time to stop by, as temperatures ease and the square fills with locals out for a stroll or heading toward the surrounding bars.

Frequently asked questions

Who is depicted in Logroño's monument? General Baldomero Espartero, a Spanish military leader and politician who served as regent of Spain during Queen Isabella II's minority in the nineteenth century.

Where exactly is the monument located? On Paseo del Espolón (Paseo del Príncipe de Vergara), the main promenade in Logroño's historic centre.

When was the monument unveiled? On 23 September 1895, although the initiative dates back to 1840 and the foundation stone was laid in 1872.

Has the monument ever been restored? Yes — a major restoration in 1995 enlarged and raised the pedestal while preserving the original bronze lions.