Monumento a los Niños Héroes

This semicircular marble monument at the entrance to the capital's great park honours the young military cadets who, according to national tradition, died defending the castle above during the American invasion of 1847. Six soaring columns crowned with eagles frame a central figure representing the nation cradling a fallen youth. Fountains spread before it, and ceremonies are held here on patriotic anniversaries. The white ensemble, unveiled in the 1950s, forms a solemn counterpoint to the surrounding avenues.