In 1918, during the Assembly of Andalusian Provinces in Ronda, Blas Infante displayed a flag in this square with Hercules standing triumphantly beside two lions and the pillars from the Strait of Gibraltar. The Father of Andalusia Nationalism sought to become an independent republic within Spain. His rebellious leadership resulted in his execution by General Francisco Franco in 1936 at the start of the Spanish Civil War. His last words were, “Long live free Andalusia.” The sculptures in front of the Church of Socorro are part of Andalusia’s coat of arms and flag.