Looking for some culture on a clear and crisp Marbella morning? Stroll down to the Alameda and admire the area’s exceptional collection of Salvador Dali sculptures.

Unless you’re an art buff, or you usually study the bronze plaques that embellish public monuments, you could be forgiven for failing to notice this display by one of Spain’s most famous sons. 

Salvador Dali - artist, sculpture, painter and photographer – hailed from Catalonia and doesn’t appear to have any obvious links with Marbella. Yet the town pays homage to his work with a permanent outdoor sculpture exhibition in one of its most well-visited spots.

Sounds of the sea

The Alameda is the main walkway between the beautiful old town and the beach. It’s also home to a stunning collection of 10 bronze Dali sculptures, signed by the man himself. With its fountains, cafes and fabulous sea views, it’s the perfect place to indulge your inner bohemian whilst being seduced by the sounds of the sea.

It wasn’t always this way though; in years past the area was virtually abandoned and in dire need of redevelopment.

So to get things started, former mayor Jesus Gil arranged for the purchase of the Dali statues, which were to form the centrepiece of the newly redeveloped park area. The statues were installed along with a series of fountains and benches and a shiny marble floor completed the renovation. The resulting area is what residents and visitors now enjoy every day. 

Original works

Each of the sculptures bears a name plaque and a Dali signature – although they are rumoured to be copies rather than originals – and has all the surrealist hallmarks of his most famous works.

The first statue you come across from the direction of the old town is Perseo, depicting the beheading of Medusa by the mythological Greek hero Perseus. Continue walking towards the sea and you’ll pass nine more exquisite works including the bizarrely-named Cosmic Elephant and a nude woman walking up what appears to be a conch shell!   

Puerto Banus

If you’re still craving more culture after all that, then head to the Cristamar centre in nearby Puerto Banus. Take a peek at the massive Rhino statue standing on the roundabout outside which is also a Dali piece. And when you’ve finished admiring that three tonne monster, it’s definitely time for you to sit down for your mid morning coffee!

Average user rating

   (0 vote)