Alto de la Alianza

The Alto de la Alianza Monumental Complex (Complejo Monumental Alto de la Alianza) is a historical monument and landmark complex in the south of Peru, near the city of Tacna.

The monument is located in the site of the Battle of Tacna, a battle that took place on May 26, 1880 between the allied Bolivian and Peruvian forces against the Chilean Army that resulted in the alliance's retreat and the loss of their strongholds in Arica and Tacna, as well as a period known locally as the captivity of Tacna, part of the larger Chilean–Peruvian territorial dispute that lasted about 50 years.

Overview
The site is on the Intiorko Hill plateau, surrounded by sand and sempervivum plants. It houses a monument in homage to the combatants of the battle. The arch generated by the set of volumes oriented on the east-west axis symbolizes the alliance of the armies of Peru and Bolivia; and its elements or blocks represent the different battalions or contingents that came from both countries.

The volume of stones reflects the direction of the Chilean attack and symbolizes the force that it exerted. The curve, generated by the volumes in opposition to the direction of the stones, symbolizes the battle and the succession of higher plates pointing south, expresses the resistance of the city of Tacna.

Complex
In 1979, the military government presided over by Francisco Morales Bermúdez determined the construction of a large monumental complex, located on the plain to the northeast of Intiorko hill; The project and construction of the monument were under the direction of architect Enrique Vargas Giles and engineer Jorge Espinoza Cáceres respectively and the sculptural part was assumed by Holger Carpio Deztre.

Museum
The Campo de la Alianza Site Museum is a war museum located under the Alto de la Alianza monument, it was inaugurated on May 26, 1982.

Monument
The monument features the previously described arch feature and ornate surroundings, as well as a cemetery in its vicinity with over 700 crosses representing the regiments and individuals that fought and were killed in action during the battle. In the cemetery stands a large marble cross that features a message by historians Jorge Basadre Grohmann and José Jiménez Borja in homage to the combatants of the Battles of Tacna (05-26-1880) and Arica (06-07-1880).

"To those who fell defending the freedom of Tacna and Arica, in the battles of May and June 1880, we pay homage with this cross full of thoughts rendered to their memory. They were strong men, for whom life was worth nothing in indignity and slavery. They inhabit the peaceful and laughing expanse of the valleys, they loved all men and did not crave the wealth of the stranger. But when unjust aggression threatened the integrity of their right, they rose to form a barrier with their bodies, at the gate of their beloved cities. The enemy overwhelmed this barrier only when all his blood, like a dejected flame, ran covering the arenas of combat. At the moment when the reparation of justice, which they defended, approaches, their memory rises like a rutile star to preside over the triumphant march of the banners."

- Jorge Basadre Grohmann & José Jiménez Borja

The monument is also accompanied by eight stainless steel sculptures created by the artist Holguer Caprio Dextre, with the purpose of resisting the environment of the area, and as a modern technique that has allowed advances and sculptural boasts. The set summarizes actions and attitudes of the history of the city of Tacna, heroism, resurgence and projection into the future.