The City Council will restore the Monument to the Sites of Zaragoza this autumn for 348,608 euros. The intervention project is currently in the bidding process with three candidate companies and aims to address the main issues of the sculptural ensemble by Agustín Querol, stabilizing the deterioration of its stone and metal materials.
The works are expected to begin in the coming months after the bidding process is resolved, which is currently in the award phase. The intervention will encompass the entire monument, addressing both stone and metal elements from the base to the upper finial.
Origin and Coordination of the Project
The initiative arose from a request by the Department of Culture of the City Council of Zaragoza. The project is coordinated by the Architecture Service, was drafted by the company Typsa, and includes a technical report on the conservation status prepared by the University of Zaragoza.
Distribution of the Investment
The majority of the budget will be allocated to three main areas:
- Metal Elements: 77,767 euros
- Sandstone of the Monolith: 64,470 euros
- Sandstone of the Lower Step: 47,180 euros
Current State of Conservation
The monument presents multiple issues that justify the intervention: erosion and flaking on surfaces, black stains associated with pollution, and peeling of the anti-graffiti varnish. The actions will include a comprehensive cleaning of the work, consolidation and fixing of elements, and sealing of joints.
Characteristics of the Monument
The Monument to the Sites, considered one of the most beautiful in Zaragoza, stands over 16 meters tall and is composed of numerous figures utilizing a variety of sculptural techniques and materials. The structure is divided into three levels:
- Steps: Built of sandstone, without bronze elements
- Base: Constructed of limestone with attached bronze elements
- Monolith: Made of sandstone with attached bronze elements
History of the Sculptural Ensemble
The monument originated in a Royal Decree of 1809 and was materialized during the Hispano-French Exhibition of 1908. The project was awarded to the Catalan sculptor Agustín Querol y Subirats. The official inauguration took place in October 1908, attended by Kings Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia.
