About this place
La Dama Ibérica is one of the most striking public sculptures in Valencia, standing at the intersection of Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas and Calle de la Safor, in the Benicalap district.
What is this monument and where is it located?
The piece rises more than 20 metres and can be spotted from the main roads leading into central Valencia. It sits on a fountain base: a rectangular pedestal at the foot of the figure lets water spill over in two cascading levels, so the sculpture catches light differently throughout the day.
Who created the sculpture?
The artist behind it is Manolo Valdés, a Valencia-born painter and sculptor known worldwide for monumental works that reinterpret classic Spanish art motifs. Valdés donated the design to his home city free of charge, with construction costs covered jointly by the municipality and private companies.
Where does the "Iberian Lady" motif come from?
The composition draws on the Lady of Elche, a celebrated pre-Roman Iberian female bust unearthed in the late 19th century in the province of Alicante and regarded as one of the most important artefacts of ancient Iberian culture. Valdés scaled up the bust's distinctive profile and the ornamental discs at the temples into a contemporary monument, turning an archaeological icon into a piece of urban landmark.
What is the sculpture made of?
The surface is built from thousands of glazed porcelain stoneware pieces in cobalt blue. Up close, the repeating tile-like units read almost as individual small heads forming a larger mosaic pattern; from a distance, the whole silhouette reads as a single, intensely blue figure. The tiling gives the massive form a surprising sense of lightness and texture.
When was it built and what did it cost?
The monument was unveiled in 2007. The total cost of the project came to around 2.4 million euros, split roughly evenly between the city of Valencia and private sponsors, including companies linked to the Lladró group and the firm Vallehermoso. The choice of Benicalap was deliberate: the district sees heavy inbound traffic from drivers entering the city, so the sculpture works almost like a gateway landmark.
Why is it worth visiting?
It is an unusual example of public sculpture that combines architectural scale with a direct reference to local archaeological heritage. Unlike most monuments in the historic centre, La Dama Ibérica sits outside the typical tourist route, making it a rewarding stop for anyone wanting to see a different side of Valencia — modern public art built on a motif that reaches back to ancient Iberian culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is La Dama Ibérica located? At the intersection of Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas and Calle de la Safor, in the Benicalap district of Valencia.
Who designed the sculpture? Manolo Valdés, a Valencian artist who donated the design to the city.
What does the sculpture depict? A stylised female head inspired by the Lady of Elche, a famous Iberian archaeological find.
What material is it made from? Thousands of glazed cobalt-blue porcelain stoneware pieces, set on a structure with a fountain at its base.
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