Fray Antón de Montesinos
INFORMATION
The statue of Fray Antón de Montesinos in Santo Domingo is an emblematic monument honoring the Dominican friar who defended indigenous rights in America. Located on George Washington Avenue, it was inaugurated in 1983 as a gift from Mexico.
Created by sculptor Antonio Castellanos Basich, the statue depicts Montesinos with a raised hand, evoking his famous sermon of 1511. This speech denounced the abuses against the Taíno indigenous people by Spanish colonizers, marking a milestone in the defense of human rights in America and leading to the creation of the Laws of Burgos in 1512.
The monument, imposing and expressive, symbolizes the voice of the oppressed. It includes a plaza for cultural activities and a viewpoint offering panoramic views of Santo Domingo.
More than a work of art, the statue is a symbol of the struggle for justice in Latin America. It reminds visitors of the historical importance of defending indigenous peoples and the lasting impact of Montesinos' sermon on social conscience and human rights.