Statue of Juan Sebastián Elcano, Getaria

The Monument to Juan Sebastián Elcano rises on a former 17th-century bastion of Getaria's old town walls, making it one of the most striking landmarks in this Basque fishing port. It sits on a rocky outcrop above the bay, with views over both the historic quarter and the open sea Elcano once sailed.

Who was Juan Sebastián Elcano?

Elcano was born in Getaria, and after Ferdinand Magellan died in the Philippines partway through their expedition, it was Elcano who brought the voyage home — becoming the first person to circle the globe when he returned to Spain in 1522 aboard the ship Victoria. The town regards him as its most famous son and has raised several monuments to him across the old quarter.

What does the monument look like, and who designed it?

The monument was designed by sculptor Victorio Macho together with architects Agustín Aguirre and José Azpiroz, and it was unveiled on October 10, 1925. Built from sandstone in the Art Deco style typical of the 1920s, it incorporates the old bastion as an entrance, above which an inscription reads "Primus Circundedisti Me" ("You were the first to circle me"). From there, a staircase climbs to an upper viewpoint crowned by a five-meter bronze winged figure, styled after the figureheads that once adorned the bows of sailing ships. Macho had already shown this same figure at the 1922 Iberian Artists Exhibition, where it drew praise for its dramatic power.

What else can visitors see at the site?

The monument originally carried a commemorative plaque listing the 18 sailors who completed the circumnavigation alongside Elcano aboard the Victoria — the only survivors of an expedition that had set out with several hundred men and five ships. From the upper viewpoint, visitors get a sweeping view over Getaria's fishing harbor, its beach, and the Cantabrian coastline, making the spot a favorite stop for anyone walking the old town.

How do you get to the monument?

The monument stands within the old town walls, close to the San Salvador church, an easy walk from the harbor and Getaria's main streets. The approach runs through the narrow, cobbled lanes typical of Basque fishing towns, and the viewpoint itself is reached on foot via a short climb.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Elcano monument in Getaria built? It was unveiled on October 10, 1925, though the sculptural design had already been presented publicly in 1922.

Who designed the monument? The central sculpture is by Victorio Macho, with the architectural setting designed by Agustín Aguirre and José Azpiroz.

Why is the monument built on an old bastion? The 17th-century bastion provided a natural elevated base overlooking the bay, which suited the design's figurehead-like imagery of a ship's bow rising above the water.

Is this the only monument to Elcano in Getaria? No — it is the best known, but the town also has other, older statues honoring the navigator located elsewhere in the old quarter.