Maria Clara Monument in Molo is located at the plaza complex. Its old location is in front of a coffee shop inside the plaza. After restoration, it is now located at the center of the plaza, facing the fountain and the statues of six Greek goddesses.
The statue is a work of the Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti di Cremona. The sculpture is a tribute to Maria Clara and was built in 1933. Maria Clara, in the sculpture, wears a typical national costume, demonstrating the historical, social, cultural, and economic development of the area.
About Francesco Riccardo Monti (1888-1958)
Francesco Riccardo Monti is a talented sculptor from Cremona, Italy, who dedicated his life to enriching Philippine art. He is being honored for his profound and selfless contributions to the development of sculptural arts in the country.
Monti’s influence can be seen all over the country. He sculpted the magnificent figures atop the University of Santo Tomas Main Building, the stunning pieces at the Metropolitan Theater of Manila, and the sculptures at the Sto. Domingo Church. What might surprise many here in Western Visayas is that he also left a lasting mark in Iloilo and Bacolod. The UP in the Visayas Main Building in Molo was once the Iloilo City Hall and contains several of his outstanding sculptures, a testament to his widespread legacy.
Monti’s journey to Western Visayas was thanks to a trusted friendship with Juan Arellano, who served as Consulting Architect for the Bureau of Public Works in the 1930s. Arellano, now celebrated as a National Artist for Architecture, was the visionary behind two of the region’s most prominent civic buildings: the Iloilo City Hall (inaugurated in 1936) and the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Building (inaugurated in 1934). For both of these significant projects, Arellano specifically called on Monti to create the public sculptures, ensuring that these impressive buildings were adorned with art that matched their civic importance.
Maria Clara Monument in Molo before restoration:
Maria Clara Monument in Molo after restoration:
Who is Maria Clara?
Maria Clara de Los Santos, “Maria Clara”, is a fictional character in the novels of Jose Rizal – Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Her name and character have become a Filipino culture for the traditional, feminine ideal.
María Clara is everybody’s “idol”. She grew up among the smiles and love of everyone. She is also very kind, considerate, and approachable. She even offered her locket to a leper, despite the warnings of her friends and their shows of disgust.
Maria Clara was a strong Filipina character. She endured and survived the abuse and violence she experienced from men despite being portrayed as prim and delicate.
Read also: List of Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Sites
How to Get There
Its exact location is at Molo Plaza, Brgy. Katilingban, Molo, Iloilo City. You can ride any jeepney passing by the plaza. The jeepneys you can ride are the following:
ROUTE 7 COMPANIA TO CITY PROPER LOOP
ROUTE 9 MOHON TO CITY PROPER LOOP
ROUTE 13 HIBAO-AN TO CITY PROPER VIA TABUCAN HUB LOOP
ROUTE 15 MOLO TO CITY PROPER VIA BALUARTE LOOP
ROUTE 17 VILLA BAYBAY TO CITY PROPER VIA BONIFACIO LOOP
ROUTE 25 MOLO TO CITY PROPER VIA GENERAL LUNA LOOP
Outside Iloilo City: Oton Anhawan Jeepney Route
Outside Iloilo City: Oton Derecho Jeepney Route
Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Iloilo City Jeepney Routes
Maayo gid nga na-restore na ang Maria Clara Monument! Proud Ilonggo gid ta!