Plaza Independencia, Castellon de La Plana

After walking along the Carrer Zaragoza, a block from Tetuan Square and the post office, you will find yourself on Independence Square. In the old days, the city gate was located on this place, and the square was named in memory of the struggle of the Spanish people against the Napoleonic occupation.

On May 4, 1924, a statue of the Virgin Mary of Lledo, a relic of the city's patron saint, was crowned in the square. Surprisingly, this landmark religious event for the city was immortalized not by a chapel, as one might expect, but by a purely utilitarian structure-a lantern. The only reminder of the coronation is a memorial plaque on the base, which is not immediately visible.

I must say that the lantern (La Farola) is a real work of blacksmithing art in the Art Nouveau style, it was created by the architect Francisco Maristani.

The northern border of the square is formed by a number of Art Nouveau buildings.

At number 5 is Casa Alcón, built in 1913. This is an eclectic Viennese school, there are smooth curves of lines, floral motifs, and decor in the sgraphito technique.

At number 7 we see the so-called Stork House (Casa de las Cigueñas), built in 1912 by Gordo. The facade is decorated with polychrome plant bas-reliefs and ceramic mosaics.