Eloy Alfaro Military School Museum, Museums, Culture
The Eloy Alfaro Military School Museum in Ecuador is named for past president Eloy Alfaro Delgado who is well known for his revolutionary regime. This fine museum documents the history of Ecuador's military. For a fascinating morning or afternoon, head off to the Eloy Alfaro Military School Museum.
Eloy Alfaro Delgado was born on 25 June 1842. He held his position as president for two terms, the first from 1895 to 1901 and the second from 1906 to 1911. He gained much fame as a benchmark for Liberals even attracting the attention of Marxists. Eloy Alfaro led the way in the Ecuadorian Liberal Revolution until the Liberals came into power in 1895. During this revolution fought between Conservatives and Liberals, Alfaro held a high position. His influence led to a distinction being drawn between state and church, essentially removing power from the Roman Catholic Church in Ecuador. Alfaro also promoted political and civil rights for the people of Ecuador. Amongst these rights were freedom of speech, the construction of public schools, permitting civil marriages and the legalizing of divorce. During his first term of presidency, Ecuador suffered during a violent civil war under the instigation of the Catholic clergy. Sadly, in 1912, Eloy Alfaro Delgado was put to death in Quito after which his body was mauled and dragged through the city. Alfaro’s legacy, however, remains and he has been named the “Greatest Ecuadorian” due to the changes he implemented as these changed Ecuador forever.
The Eloy Alfaro Military School Museum contains exhibits filled with photographs and artworks picturing the Ecuadorian military. You will also see items such as ammunition, clothing and objects belonging to General Alfaro. The structure is divided into three categories, namely: the Geodesic Park, the Temple of the Heroes and the Anthropological and Natural Museum. The Temple section was opened in 1946. It is in this section that you will discover uniforms, decorations, epaulets and bones from past soldiers. The Geodesic Park tells the history of native cultures. Finally, the Anthropological and Natural Museum guides you through the natural history of Ecuador. Tours of the museum are on offer if you would like detailed information. Eloy Alfaro Military School Museum is open on Mondays through to Sundays from 09:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 02:00 pm to 05:00 pm.
