Lost Legacy: The Magellan Monument

The Magallanes Monument
1848 - 1945

When someone mentions the "Magellan Monument", one might immediately think of the Magellan Shrine or Magellan's Cross in Cebu, but did you know that Manila also had its very own monument dedicated to the Portugese explorer?

Colored illustration showing how commanding the monument was.
Source

Another colored illustration.
Source

The Monumento de Magallanes was an iconic monument that honored navigator and explorer, Ferdinand Magellan. As we all know, Magellan captained the first expedition to circumnavigate the earth. He was also known for “discovering” (emphasis on the quotation marks) the Philippines and claimed the newly “discovered” islands for Spain. Magellan was not able to complete the entire journey because he was killed in the Battle of Mactan in 1521.

Possibly one of the many initial plans of the monument. This design was not applied, obviously.
Source

Source

The monument was erected in 1848 by the orders of Gobernador-General Narcisco Claveria. The monument was originally planned to be erected in Cebu but it was decided later on that it would be more fitting to erect it in the country's capital. Through voluntary contributions and donations, they raised enough money for the monument to be built.

The Paseo de Magallanes became a major landing stage for boats and the Magallanes Monument greeted the passengers upon docking. It was like how the Statue of Liberty greeted the ships that entered New York Harbor.
John Tewell Photo Collection   

It was originally located at the center of Paseo de Magallanes just outside the northern walls of Intramuros, near the Puerta de Isabel II. When the Americans developed and expanded the wharves of the Pasig River in 1904, they tore down some parts of the walls and the monument was moved to a new location near the Aduana Bldg.

The original location of the Magallanes Monument just outside the walls of Intramuros.  
Beyond Forgetting Photo Collection

1925, the monument in its new location in front of the Aduana/Intendencia Bldg and the Commission of Census Bldg.
John Tewell Photo Collection

Showing the evolution of the Paseo de Magallanes area.
1898 - 1934 - 2012
GIF made by me

Paseo de Magallanes. The monument can be seen in the background.
Source

The Paseo de Magallanes was a prominent park and leisure area during the Spanish and American Colonial Era. Afternoon walks, and other outdoor activities were preferred to be done here. 

"Piles of lumber along the Pasig River near Magellan Monument. Intramuros, Manila."
John Tewell Photo Collection

"During the U.S., trade on the quays of Pasig was very active, and the nearby Paseo de Magallanes was used as a storage timber, coal, and other supplies. By 1904, they built a new road through the park and the monument was moved to a new location, next to the Customs. However, it remained a tourist site."

John Tewell Photo Collection

Magallanes Monument
GIF made by me

The monument’s fluted column was made of stone that rested on a marble pedestal. The column was decorated with anchors, dolphins, merlions and laurel leaves. A spherical globe inscribed with Magellan’s name crowned the monument. All of these adornments were made of bronze and were imported from Europe.

Detail of the spherical globe with the "MAGALLANES" surrounding it. You can also the N - S cardinal points, quite appropriate for a monument that celebrates an explorer and navigator.
John Tewell Photo Collection

The Magallanes Monument with the Jones Bridge in the background.
Source

The Magallanes Monument was another casualty of World War Two. It was tragically destroyed when a bomb made a direct hit towards the monument. It is said that the column was just dislodged from the pedestal and was still very repairable. Others say that it was reduced to bits and pieces. The true whereabouts of this monument still remains a mystery up to this day. Rumor has it that during the clean-up operations after the war, the Americans pushed the remains of the monument down the Pasig River. The Magallanes Monument is now lost, forever. The only remaining memories are in black-and-white photographs and a few illustrations as a remembrance of its simplicity and dignity that captivated the whole city . 

Still standing amidst the ruins. The Jones Bridge is already destroyed here.
Life Photo Archive

Last moments of the Magallanes Monument from the clip "Battle of Manila", 1945.
John Tewell Photo Collection

Last moments of the Magallanes Monument from the clip "Battle of Manila", 1945.
John Tewell Photo Collection

The Magallanes Monument seen on the right was reduced to rubble. From the clip "Battle of Manila", 1945.
John Tewell Photo Collection

:(
John Tewell Photo Collection

In 2021, we will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of Magellan's arrival in the Philippines. It would be great if we can give him tribute, perhaps rebuilding the monument? Hmmm.