Neptune Statue Disappears and Reappears in Harmony with Tidal Variations
In Roman mythology, Neptune is recognized as the deity of the sea. This is why there is no more suitable location for a statue of this god than within the ocean itself. Positioned in front of Melenara Beach, located in Gran Canaria (part of Spain’s Canary Islands), a statue of Neptune appears to ascend from the surf. The sculpture welcomes those who enter his aquatic realms, forming a striking view in this well-frequented tourist locale.
The artwork, referred to as Neptuno del Puntón (“Neptune of tip”) or Neptuno saliendo del mar (“Neptune rising from the sea”), was crafted by the late Spanish artist Luis Arencibia. The sculptor hailed from Telde, a city not far from the site of the Neptune statue today. The piece was put in place in September 2001 and measures 13.8 feet in height. As the tide shifts, the statue submerged in the sea vanishes and reappears.
While its location is undoubtedly an imaginative decision, it has brought about a distinct array of challenges. Over the years, children have climbed the sculpture, causing wear, alongside the damage inflicted by relentless ocean waves. In 2010, a storm in the vicinity resulted in the sculpture losing an arm and its trident, which were only replaced in 2017 at an expense of €23,184 (approximately $26,800). This restoration included reinforcing the statue with stainless steel bars and welding it to the rock on which it stands. Furthermore, it has been treated with grease to deter climbers.
Spanish journalist Luis León Barreto characterizes the sculpture as “a Neptune who is at once benevolent and intimidating, fierce yet gentle, watchful and playful.” He also shares that locals claim Neptune’s hollow eyes emit a ghostly glow at night—stirring the age-old human desire for a transcendent being to lead them from the darkness. “For this Gran Canarian coastline, the mythical god has become a benefactor. His trident symbolizes courage and determination in challenging times,” Barreto notes. “It has become so ingrained that it resembles a lighthouse on the horizon.”
Should you find yourself in Gran Canaria, the Neptune sculpture can be viewed from the Melenara Pier or the beach sharing its name. For specific directions, it can be located on Google Maps under “Dios Neptuno.”
Meanwhile, scroll down to view more breathtaking images of this extraordinary public sculpture.
Sources: Neptuno saliendo del mar en Melenara; Esta es la historia de la estatua de Neptuno de Melenara; Luis Arencibia y el Neptuno de Melenara