An Eternal Tribute to the Navigator Who Changed History

Located in the heart of Getaria, the bronze statue of Juan Sebastián Elkano is one of the town’s most iconic heritage landmarks. Commissioned by the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, it was sculpted by Antonio Palao in 1861​.

A Work of Art with History

The sculptor Antonio Palao, renowned in Zaragoza, created a solemn and imposing statue that evokes the greatness of the navigator who completed the first circumnavigation of the world. The bronze casting was carried out in 1860 at the prestigious Eck et Durand workshops in Paris.  Initially, the pedestal bore inscriptions in both Basque and Spanish, highlighting the significance of the Gipuzkoan sailor.

A Monument on the Move

Over the years, the statue has undergone several relocations and modifications. In 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, it was moved to San Sebastián and placed within a memorial dedicated to the Basque sailors who perished in the sinking of the Baleares cruiser. This decision caused discontent among the people of Getaria, who considered the statue a symbol of their identity​. 

In 1978, a group of locals took matters into their own hands and decided to bring the statue back. Using a truck and a crane, they returned it to Getaria, placing it on a new pedestal with a more brutalist design that differed from the original​. The reinauguration was met with great enthusiasm, reflecting the town’s pride in its famous navigator.

Preservation and Restoration

Despite its long history, the bronze statue remains in good condition. However, it has lost two original elements: the sword and the feathered crest of its headdress. There are ongoing proposals to restore these details, ensuring the monument retains its 19th-century aesthetic​.

A Must-See in Getaria

Today, the statue of Elkano remains a key landmark for visitors to Getaria. Located near the port, it serves as a reminder of the navigator’s epic journey—the first complete circumnavigation of the world—reinforcing the town’s deep maritime heritage and historical significance.