Walking the streets of the Spanish city Ceuta is fascinating with its many statues and monuments. Ceuta is a small Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Africa, it is a unique blend of cultures and history. Not only are Ceuta Statues mesmerising the city is also known for its stunning coastline, historic fortifications like the Royal Walls, cuisine and Mediterranean maritime park.
Discover Ceuta’s Iconic Statues: A Guide to Where They’re Located
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Ceuta’s streets are a haven for sculpture enthusiasts, featuring numerous statues and monumental groups that commemorate historical and mythological figures, key moments in the city’s history, as well as expressions of gratitude and tributes to local beliefs and traditions. While bronze castings are the most prevalent, the city also showcases sculptures made from other materials, including tall stone structures and more contemporary constructions. Although many of Ceuta’s sculptures follow a classic design, you’ll also find pieces that reflect more modern and contemporary artistic expressions.
The Hercules Statue
The most iconic and well-known statue in Ceuta is that of Hercules. This impressive installation features two massive bronze pillars, each nearly 8 meters tall and weighing almost 4,000 kg. The statues are prominently located at the entrance to the port of Ceuta and in the Plaza de la Constitución. Pedro De Meneses Statue Ceuta
Don Pedro de Meneses
The bronze monument with glass elements depicts Don Pedro de Meneses, holding his famous aleo stick and protecting a child on his right knee. Shortly after the conquest of the city in August 1415, King John I of Portugal appointed Pedro de Meneses as the first governor of Ceuta..
Almond seller Statue Ceuta
One of my favorite statues is the one dedicated to “The Little Almond Seller.” This sculpture honors Manuel Sánchez Ordóñez, a beloved figure in Ceuta, who was fondly known by this nickname. For many years, he made and sold sugared almonds on the Paseo de Las Palmeras, right in front of the statue of González Tablas.
Monument to Easter Week in Ceuta Statue Ceuta
This Baroque-style sculptural group, located next to the Church of San Francisco in the Plaza de los Reyes, features two bronze figures.
Monument to the Spanish Constitution
This allegorical sculptural group dedicated to the Magna Carta features the figures of a woman and a girl standing before a stone column. Two plaques mounted on the column display Articles 2 and 14 of the Constitution.
Allegorical Sculptural Group
This group consists of six allegorical sculptures representing Peace, Africa, Industry, the Arts, Commerce, and Work. The original figures were crafted from Carrara marble in Italy in 1892, commissioned by the Ceuta City Council. The statues currently on display are stone replicas, each standing at an average height of around 115 centimetres.
Calypso Statue Ceuta
The statue of Calypso, standing nearly 5 meters tall, is one of the largest female bronze sculptures from classical mythology in the world. It is located in the Plaza de la Constitución, in front of the Trujillo building, and beside one of the two Hercules statues by the same sculptor, Ginés Serrán-Pagán. According to mythology, Calypso, the daughter of the god Atlas, resided on the ancient island of Ogigia, which is now known as Ceuta. The nymph saved Ulysses from a shipwreck as he returned to Ithaca from the Trojan War. As recounted in Homer’s Odyssey, Calypso lived with the Greek hero for ten years, during which they had three children: Nausithous, Nausinous, and Latinus.
Escultura Paz y Libertad the Peace and Freedom Sculpture
This bronze sculpture, created by Spanish sculptor Juan de Ávalos, honors the Spanish Constitution. Originally installed in the Plaza de la Constitución, it was relocated to the Paseo de la Marina Española, opposite Méndez Núñez Street, following the square’s renovation.
Mahatma Gandhi in Ceuta
This sculpture depicts Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian nationalist movement against British rule.
Josef Ben Yehuda
The monument honours Josef Ben Yehuda, a Jewish astronomer, mathematician, and doctor who was a disciple of Maimonides. Born and residing in Ceuta during the city’s Almohad period of prominence.
Monumento a los hombres del mar, Monument to the Men of the Sea Statue Ceuta
The bronze sculpture “Ceuta to the People of the Sea” is situated on Paseo de la Marina, near the Arab Baths and in front of the Port entrance. It pays tribute to both the seafaring community and the military sailors of the Navy and the Sea Company of the Army. Created by Ceuta sculptor Antonio Romero, the life-sized statue depicts a Spanish Navy sailor standing on the dock and throwing a guide rope, a traditional seafaring task.
Bust of Lieutenant Ruiz
This marble bust, created in 1892, honors Lieutenant Jacinto Ruiz Mendoza from Ceuta. The soldier is renowned for his valor during the defense of the Monteleón Artillery Park on May 2, 1808.
The Philosopher Plato statue
The bronze statue of the philosopher Plato, weighing around 65 kg, is located on Paseo de las Palmeras. Plato, the Greek philosopher, referenced the Pillars of Hercules—Calpe (Gibraltar) and Abyla (Ceuta)—in his works Oritias and Timeo.
Aristotle’s Bust Statue Ceuta
The sculpture of Aristotle is part of a larger group dedicated to classical authors who mentioned Ceuta in their writings. The pedestals feature inscriptions with passages referencing the city. Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC), a Greek philosopher, polymath, and scientist, is renowned as a foundational figure in Western philosophy alongside Plato. His ideas have significantly influenced Western intellectual history for over two millennia.
Estrabon Statue Ceuta
This bust is situated near the port of Ceuta. Although Strabo referenced the Strait of Gibraltar in his Geography, it is believed he never visited the area. The bust is a fitting tribute and is part of a series of busts that reflect the local authorities’ cultural interests and initiatives.
Pomponuis is Mela Statue Cueta
The sculpture of Pomponio Mela is part of a series dedicated to classical authors who mentioned Ceuta in their writings. The pedestals feature inscriptions with specific passages about the city. According to Wikipedia, Pomponio Mela, born in Tingentera (modern-day Algeciras) in the 1st century, was a Hispano-Roman geographer who lived under emperors Caligula and Claudius and died around 45 AD.
Tribute to Artillery
This monument commemorates the third centenary of the founding of the 30th Mixed Artillery Regiment of Ceuta. It depicts an artilleryman in 1850s attire alongside a cannon and ammunition, recreating a historical scene.
The statue of Antonio López Sánchez-Prado
The statue of Antonio López Sánchez-Prado, who served as both a doctor and mayor of Ceuta, was created by the brothers Francisco Javier and Alejandro Pedrajes del Molino. It is located on Almirante Sánchez Prado Street.
This post originally appeared on Likelovedo.com
