Estatua del Marqués de Larios (Statue of the Marquis of Larios), Malaga

The Statue of the Marquis of Larios is a prominent urban monument in Malaga, dedicated to Manuel Domingo Larios y Larios, the second Marquis of Larios. This iconic sculpture, created by Mariano Benlliure, has stood since its unveiling on January 1, 1899, at the confluence of Larios Street and Alameda Principal, a central location symbolizing the connection between the city's historic and commercial areas.

The statue honors the Marquis' philanthropic contributions, most notably the construction of Larios Street, Málaga's most significant urban development at the time. As the primary shareholder of the company that financed the street’s creation, Larios played a pivotal role in shaping the city's modern landscape. The street was constructed with an investment of one million pesetas, equivalent to approximately 6,000 euros today.

The monument features a bronze statue of the Marquis, mounted on a marble pedestal adorned with intricate reliefs. Flanking the Marquis are two symbolic figures: a man holding a pickaxe and hoe represents the labor and industriousness that transformed Malaga, and a woman offering a child symbolizes the city's gratitude and charity.

The pedestal bears the inscription: ''To Don Manuel Larios, II Marquis of Larios, Malaga grateful" alongside the key dates of his life and the monument's inauguration. This dedication reflects the city's recognition of his contributions to Malaga’s urban and social development.

The monument also holds historical significance as its inauguration coincided with the donation of an annex to the Provincial Hospital, further emphasizing the Larios family’s commitment to the welfare of Malaga’s citizens. Today, the statue continues to oversee Larios Street, serving as both a landmark and a reminder of the Marquis' enduring legacy.