Origins and Creation

The marble sculpture of Juan Sebastián Elkano, created by renowned sculptor Ricardo Bellver in 1881, is one of Getaria’s most significant heritage pieces. It was donated to the town in 1934 by the Second Republic Government after previously being displayed at the Ministry of Overseas Affairs in Madrid​.

The Art of Ricardo Bellver

Ricardo Bellver, famous for his work The Fallen Angel, sculpted this magnificent piece in Carrara marble, earning the first medal at the Madrid Fine Arts Exhibition in 1881​. The sculpture portrays Elkano gripping the helm of his ship with determination, crafted with great detail and dramatic expression. Critics praised its expressive power, though some considered it overly ornate​.

Arrival in Getaria and Placement

In 1934, thanks to the efforts of architect Pedro Muguruza, the Getaria City Council secured the sculpture’s transfer from Madrid. During the final years of the Republic, the statue remained without a permanent location. In 1937, following the occupation of Getaria by Francoist troops during the Civil War, it was placed in the Town Hall Square and inaugurated with a grand ceremony​