Cartagena immortalizes Captain Alatriste in homage to its most illustrious writer and compatriot

Cartagena has immortalized Captain Alatriste with a statue honoring the fictional character created by its most illustrious writer and townsman, Arturo Pérez-Reverte. The ceremony took place this Friday in the historic center of the city, where more than a hundred supporters gathered, including admirers from Cartagena and members of the Spanish Navy. A military band from the Tercio de Levante played music as the tribute was paid to both Captain Alatriste and his literary creator, Pérez-Reverte, who was born 74 years ago in the municipality. The statue stands in Plaza Cuartel del Rey, located in the historical district of the city. Previously, this square supplied troops to fleets heading to Flanders. Now, it hosts a bronze statue of the veteran soldier, the protagonist of Pérez-Reverte’s most famous literary series. Standing 2.4 meters tall, the sculpture was designed based on a sketch by Augusto Ferrer Dalmau and refined by renowned sculptor Salvador Amaya. It rests on stones from the Cartagena Arsenal, donated by the Navy. At around 9:30 AM, a warm reception greeted Pérez-Reverte in the bustling square. Accompanied by Mayor Noelia Arroyo, he showed gratitude and happiness through his smile. The mayor praised Pérez-Reverte for accompanying readers on adventures with depth and insight into human nature. She noted that his novels have been read by thirty million people worldwide and translated into over 40 languages. She expressed thanks for Pérez-Reverte always carrying Cartagena in his heart and wished for the gratitude to be public, permanent, and a legacy through Captain Alatriste. After unveiling the statue, an emotional Pérez-Reverte spoke, thanking the mayor and the city council for the unanimous support behind the tribute. He explained how he intended to tell the stories of soldiers behind the scenes, the anonymous names who worked hard for centuries. He mentioned wanting to depict both the light and glory of that era and the darkness surrounding it. He appreciated that the city had chosen to make Alatriste a symbol of all soldiers who left Cartagena to fight far from their homeland. The event concluded with Pérez-Reverte signing copies of the latest installment in the series, Mission in Paris, for his fans. Present were regional assembly president Visitación Martínez, tourism, culture, and sports counselor Carmen María Conesa, and spokespeople from all opposition parties in the local government. The statue's placement marks a lasting tribute to both the fictional character and the author who brought him to life. The choice of location reflects the historical significance of the square, once central to military operations. The collaboration between the city and the Navy highlights the deep connection between the community and its naval heritage. The event underscored the cultural impact of Pérez-Reverte’s work and the enduring legacy of Captain Alatriste in Cartagena.