The Monumento a Julio Verne, located at 36202 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain, is a fascinating tribute to the famous French novelist and pioneer of science fiction, Jules Verne. This statue is situated along the picturesque seafront of Vigo, near the port, and holds a special place in the city’s cultural and maritime history.

The monument was inaugurated in 2005 and was created by the Galician sculptor José Morales. It features a life-sized bronze statue of Jules Verne seated on a giant octopus, a direct reference to one of his most famous works, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The statue captures Verne in a thoughtful pose, with a book in hand, as he rides the enormous cephalopod—a nod to the legendary giant squid encountered by Captain Nemo in the novel. The monument beautifully blends fantasy and reality, paying homage to Verne’s imaginative spirit and his influence on the world of literature.

What makes the Monumento a Julio Verne unique is its connection to the city of Vigo. Verne visited Vigo in 1878, and the city is mentioned in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, where Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus, are said to have stopped to collect treasures from the wreck of the Spanish galleons sunk during the Battle of Vigo Bay in 1702. This historical and literary link has made Verne an honorary figure in Vigo, and the statue celebrates this connection.

The best time to visit the Monumento a Julio Verne is during the day when the statue is illuminated by natural light, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate details of the sculpture. The area around the monument is lively and offers beautiful views of the port and the Ría de Vigo, making it a pleasant spot for a stroll. The monument is also a popular location during Vigo’s annual events and maritime festivals, where it serves as a reminder of the city’s deep ties to the sea and its historical significance.

There is no admission fee to visit the monument, as it is a public installation easily accessible to all. Its location along the waterfront makes it a convenient stop for tourists exploring Vigo’s coastal attractions.

An interesting fact about the Monumento a Julio Verne is that it not only honors the author’s literary contributions but also symbolizes the city’s pride in its maritime heritage. Although the monument has not appeared in any major films, it has become an iconic part of Vigo’s landscape and is frequently featured in local tourism materials.

For visitors to Vigo, the Monumento a Julio Verne offers a unique blend of literary history and artistic expression, making it a must-see attraction for those interested in the intersection of culture, history, and the sea.