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Sculpture · Gijón, Astúrias
Elogio del Horizonte
Monumental concrete sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, installed in 1990 on the top of the cerro de Santa Catalina, facing the sea; it became a symbol of Gijón.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Elogio del Horizonte
Elogio do Horizonte is a concrete sculpture by Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, installed in 1990 on the top of the cerro de Santa Catalina, at the tip of the Cimadevilla peninsula. The work, of large proportions, opens out toward the Cantabrian Sea and became one of Gijón's symbols. Locals jokingly call it the "privada do King Kong" because of its shape.
The choice of site came from a conversation between the mayor at the time and the architect Paco Pol, who was responsible for the cerro's renovation, an old military ground turned into a park. Chillida, who was looking for a place for a work like this on the Atlantic coast, came to Gijón, saw the location and agreed. He made several small models before arriving at the final form.
The sculpture is made to be seen from the inside: anyone standing under the arch, in its middle, hears the sound of the wind and the sea amplified and sees the framed horizon.
Around it, the cerro park has lawns, remains of artillery batteries and viewpoints over the beach of San Lorenzo, the port and the coast.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 40 minutes.
Best time
Late afternoon, for the sunset over the sea. On windy days, the sound inside the sculpture is stronger.
How to get there
It sits on the top of the cerro de Santa Catalina, in Cimadevilla, about a 10-minute walk from praça Maior, on a short uphill.
Tip
Stand beneath the center of the sculpture and listen: the wind and the sea sound louder inside.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Elogio del Horizonte
Who made the Elogio do Horizonte?
The Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida, in 1990.
Why is the sculpture nicknamed King Kong's toilet?
Because of its shape, seen from certain angles. It's a nickname given humorously by locals.
Where is the Elogio do Horizonte?
At the top of the cerro de Santa Catalina, at the tip of Cimadevilla, facing the sea.