Statue of Manuel Carlos Piar

The Statue of Manuel Carlos Piar is a prominent landmark in Plaza Piar, located in the heart of Willemstad, Curaçao. It commemorates General Manuel Carlos Piar, a Curaçao-born military leader who was instrumental in the Venezuelan War of Independence. Born in Willemstad on April 28, 1774, to a Spanish father and a mother of African and Indigenous descent, Piar's early life in Curaçao shaped his revolutionary spirit.The statue, a gift from Venezuela unveiled on July 5, 1963, represents the gratitude and mutual respect between the two nations. Created by Italian-Venezuelan sculptor Santiago Poletto Lambertini, it faces Brionplein, where a statue of Curaçaoan naval hero Luis Brion stands, symbolizing shared ideals of liberty and solidarity. Piar's legacy extends beyond his military achievements; he advocated for the abolition of slavery and the inclusion of all racial and ethnic groups.Plaza Piar, where the statue is located, is part of Willemstad's UNESCO World Heritage designation. The statue serves as a gathering place where people come together to enjoy events, markets, and leisurely strolls.