Plaza of Heroes
The Plaza of Heroes (Alexandrian: Place des Héros, Martino: Plaza de los Héroes, Wechua: Auqakunaq Pampa) is a major public square in Cárdenas, Nouvelle Alexandrie. Located at the northern terminus of Seiza Avenue, the plaza serves as a central hub of the capital's monumental district and is renowned for its Founders' Circle, which features statues of prominent national leaders and symbolic figures. The square also houses the Alexandrian Memorial and the Manco Cápac Column, along with two major cultural institutions: the National History Museum and the Proclamation Museum.
The plaza was designed as part of the broader Cárdenas Plan, the ambitious urban development project that established the purpose-built capital city. Since its completion in 1690 AN, the Plaza of Heroes has served as a focal point for national ceremonies and public gatherings, most notably hosting the funeral of King Manco Cápac in 1718 AN.
History
The Plaza of Heroes was conceived as an integral component of the Cárdenas Plan, the comprehensive urban design scheme that guided the construction of Nouvelle Alexandrie's new capital city. The plaza was specifically designated to honor both contemporary national leaders and historical figures from the Alexandrian imperial period, reflecting the federation's commitment to celebrating its diverse cultural heritage.
Construction of the plaza began in 1686 AN as part of a larger infrastructure project that included the expansion of Seiza Avenue and the redevelopment of the surrounding Hotel Sector. The initial phase focused on creating the Founders' Circle, designed to accommodate six marble statues arranged in a semi-circular colonnade. Each statue was complemented by relief sculptures depicting significant historical events. The primary construction phase was completed in 1690 AN.
Subsequent additions
The plaza underwent several expansions in the decades following its initial completion. In 1705 AN, allegorical figures representing abstract concepts such as Labor, Prosperity, War, Peace, Justice, and Knowledge were added to the colonnade's upper level. The Alexandrian Memorial, a stone cenotaph commemorating victims of the Alexandrian Flu pandemic, was installed in 1710 AN. This memorial, originally erected by Emperor Edgard II, was recovered from an Alexandrian vault during the reconstruction of Cárdenas.
The most recent major addition was the Manco Cápac Column, completed in 1720 AN following the tragic assassination of King Manco Cápac and Basileus Giakoumis of Constancia in 1718 AN.
Historic events
On 20.II.1718 AN, the plaza became the site of one of the most significant public gatherings in Nouvelle Alexandrie's modern history. Following the Condor shoot-down incident, approximately 200,000 people assembled at the Plaza of Heroes for the state funeral of King Manco Cápac. This event marked the largest public ceremony held at the plaza since its inauguration.
Architecture and layout
Founders' Circle
The centerpiece of the Plaza of Heroes is the Founders' Circle, a semi-circular colonnade that serves as the plaza's primary architectural feature. The colonnade houses eight statues - including a double-figure - of significant figures in New Alexandrian history, divided between monarchs and other notable personalities.
The left section of the colonnade is reserved for former monarchs and includes statues of:
The right section features prominent historical figures:
- Jaime Augusto Joaquin Primo de Aguilar;
- Marco Zimmer;
- Kayara Mayhuasca Soncco;
- Vicaquirao Alvarez and Alejandro Campos.
Crowning the colonnade are four pairs of allegorical figures: Labor and Prosperity on the outer left; War on the inner left; Peace on the inner right; and Justice and Knowledge on the outer right. These sculptures were created by renowned sculptor Enrique Valespora, with one additional work by Beatriz Porol.
Memorial structures
The Alexandrian Memorial stands prominently before the Founders' Circle. This large stone cenotaph serves as a memorial to the victims of the Alexandrian Flu pandemic that devastated the former Empire of the Alexandrians. The memorial is enclosed by a protective fence and is not accessible to the general public due to its historical significance and fragile condition.
The Manco Cápac Column rises ten meters behind the colonnade and is topped with a bronze figure of King Manco Cápac depicted in military regalia with outstretched arms in a gesture of greeting. The column serves as both a memorial to the late king and a symbol of national unity.
Surrounding buildings and spaces
The plaza is bordered by several significant structures and public spaces. The National History Museum occupies the northern edge of the plaza, while the Proclamation Museum is situated on the eastern side. The western boundary faces Seiza Avenue and is lined with three notable buildings: a residential complex, the Hotel Gran Alexandria, and the headquarters of several non-profit organizations.
To the south lies the Park of Victory, which features the Column of Victory commemorating the 1685 Aldurian coup d'état. The northern boundary connects to Pyramide Square, home to the Cárdenas Pyramide, a monument honoring the Wechua Planning Commission and the New Prosperity Plan. The plaza is circumscribed by Founders' Lane to the west and Santander Boulevard to the east.
Transportation
The Plaza of Heroes is served by the Plaza of Heroes Metro Station, part of the Cárdenas Metro system. Located at the southeastern corner of the plaza adjacent to the Proclamation Museum, the station provides access to Line G of the metro network. The metro tracks run directly beneath the plaza, allowing for convenient access to the city's transportation system without disrupting the square's ceremonial functions.
Cultural significance
As one of Cárdenas' most prominent public spaces, the Plaza of Heroes serves multiple functions within the capital's urban landscape. Beyond its role as a memorial and ceremonial venue, the plaza functions as a symbol of Nouvelle Alexandrie's multicultural identity, celebrating figures from both the Alexandrian imperial tradition and the indigenous Wechua heritage that form the federation's historical foundation.
The plaza's design reflects the broader architectural philosophy of the Cárdenas Plan, which sought to create a capital city that would embody the unity and diversity of the New Alexandrian federation while honoring the historical legacies of its constituent peoples.
