Monument to Fleming

Monument to Fleming is a modest but moving memorial standing in Vilagarcía de Arousa, a coastal town in the province of Pontevedra, on Galicia's Ría de Arousa. The granite bust honors the Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming, discoverer of penicillin, and the story behind its creation is as interesting as the monument itself.

Where does this monument come from?

The memorial wasn't commissioned by the town council but arose from a private act of gratitude. It was funded by Enrique Campos Dopazo, known locally as "Ricucho," a wine merchant from the area. Campos Dopazo owed his life to penicillin, which had pulled him through a serious illness, and he made a personal promise to honor its discoverer with a lasting tribute. He kept that promise: the monument was unveiled on 16 August 1976.

What will you find on site?

The centerpiece is a granite bust of Fleming set on a solid pedestal. The whole sculptural ensemble measures roughly 3.75 x 1.90 x 1.47 meters, while the bust itself is 1.20 x 0.85 x 0.50 meters — a compact, intimate piece rather than a towering civic monument. The pedestal carries an inscription dedicated to "the benefactor of humanity, Dr. Fleming," along with the donor's name and the unveiling date.

The monument stands in the Fleming Gardens (Jardines de Fleming), a green pocket of Vilagarcía de Arousa that actually takes its name from this memorial. It's a quiet spot to sit under the trees, a natural pause while exploring the town's seafront promenade and historic center.

How do you get there?

Vilagarcía de Arousa sits on the main roads linking Santiago de Compostela with the Rías Baixas coast, so it's an easy stop by car. The town also has a train station on the line connecting Santiago and Pontevedra, plus bus links to nearby towns. The Fleming Gardens lie within the town itself, an easy walk from the center and the harbor, making them a convenient addition to a walking tour of Vilagarcía.

When is the best time to visit?

Being an outdoor garden setting, the site is best enjoyed in spring or summer, when the greenery is at its fullest and the weather invites a stroll. August carries a bit of extra meaning here — the monument was unveiled in that very month, back in 1976. Outside peak tourist season, the gardens tend to be quieter and more contemplative, which suits the low-key character of this small memorial well.

Why is it worth a stop?

The Monument to Fleming shows how a deeply personal story can leave a lasting mark on a town's landscape. Unlike many memorials raised for anniversaries or by institutions, this one came from a single individual determined to give lasting thanks for a life saved. That origin gives it an authenticity worth pausing for — enough to read the inscription and reflect on the story behind the granite bust.

Frequently asked questions

Who funded the Monument to Fleming in Vilagarcía de Arousa? It was funded by Enrique Campos Dopazo, a local wine merchant known as "Ricucho," in gratitude for being cured thanks to penicillin.

When was the monument unveiled? It was officially unveiled on 16 August 1976.

What material is the monument made of? The bust and pedestal are carved from granite, a material typical of Galician stonework.

Where exactly is the monument located? It stands in the Fleming Gardens (Jardines de Fleming) in Vilagarcía de Arousa, in the province of Pontevedra, close to the town center.