L'home de bronze

L'home de bronze is an unusual monument standing at a lookout point in Parc de Catalunya in Sabadell, a city in the Vallès Occidental region less than 20 kilometers from Barcelona. The sculpture depicts a former mayor of Sabadell, Antoni Farrés, and is one of nine artworks forming an open-air sculpture gallery in the park.

What does the sculpture show?

The monument is a bronze figure of a man standing 4.2 meters tall, mounted on a white concrete base. It was created by Catalan sculptor Agustí Puig, for whom this was the first large-scale public sculpture of his career. The base's architectural design was handled by Manuel Larrosa, an architect and urban planner who collaborated with the artist on the project.

The figure deliberately exaggerates the subject's most recognizable physical traits — a pointed nose and long legs — giving the piece a playful, caricature-like quality despite its serious commemorative purpose. This mix of gravity and humor is part of what makes the monument stand out among the city's other public artworks.

Who does the monument commemorate?

The sculpture honors Antoni Farrés i Sabater, who served as mayor of Sabadell from 1979 to 1999 — two decades that shaped the city following the return of local democracy in Spain. The project was driven by a dedicated commission, the "Antoni Farrés i Sabater Space," made up of representatives from the Bosch i Cardellach Foundation, the former mayor's family and friends, and the Sabadell City Council. The monument was unveiled on February 11, 2011.

How do you get to the sculpture?

Parc de Catalunya sits in central Sabadell and is easily reachable on foot from the city's main landmarks. Sabadell is connected to Barcelona by regional rail (Rodalies), with journeys taking roughly 30–40 minutes depending on the line and destination station. The park doubles as green recreational space and an open-air sculpture gallery, so it's worth planning time to walk the whole grounds rather than heading straight to the lookout with the monument.

What else is there to see nearby?

Parc de Catalunya brings together nine sculptures in total, along with several commemorative plaques, including works dedicated to Lluís Companys and Ernest Lluch. Look out for "A de barca," a piece by Joan Brossa, one of the most celebrated Catalan poets and visual artists of the 20th century. Walking the full park route is a good way to see the range of sculptural styles represented in the city's public spaces.

When is the best time to visit?

The park and monument are open year-round, and as an outdoor space they're at their best on sunny days in spring and autumn, when temperatures are comfortable for longer walks. In summer, it's best to visit in the morning or evening to avoid the peak heat typical of the Mediterranean climate in this part of Catalonia.

Frequently asked questions

Who created L'home de bronze? The sculpture was created by Catalan artist Agustí Puig, with the base's architectural design by Manuel Larrosa.

Who is depicted in the monument? The figure commemorates Antoni Farrés i Sabater, mayor of Sabadell from 1979 to 1999.

Where exactly is the monument located? At a lookout point in Parc de Catalunya in central Sabadell, among eight other sculptures forming an open-air art gallery.

Is visiting the park free? Yes, the park is a public city space, and access to its grounds and sculpture gallery is free year-round.