Elogio del Horizonte - Barcelona from W hotel
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Elogio del Horizonte

4.5
·11k reviews·Gijón, Spain

Monumental concrete sculpture by Chillida, offering unique acoustics and breathtaking panoramic views of the sea.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon to sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
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Elogio del Horizonte - Barcelona from W hotel

Elogio del Horizonte

Best Time

Late afternoon to sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Monumental concrete sculpture by Chillida, offering unique acoustics and breathtaking panoramic views of the sea.

4.5
(11k reviews)

"A great sunset spot with beautiful views and an interesting acoustic experience inside."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Stand in the Center

Experience the unique sound amplification of the waves and wind by standing in the sculpture's core.

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The views are spectacular at sunset; bring your camera for unforgettable photos.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Elogio del Horizonte Sculpture

The Elogio del Horizonte Sculpture

Cerro de Santa Catalina

A monumental concrete sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, offering a unique acoustic experience and stunning ocean views.

Panoramic Views of Gijón

Panoramic Views of Gijón

Cerro de Santa Catalina

Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Cantabrian Sea, the city's coastline, and the iconic San Lorenzo beach.

Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Cerro de Santa Catalina

Witness a magical sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, painting the sky with vibrant colors.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Plan your visit to Elogio del Horizonte to coincide with sunset for breathtaking views. While entry is free, consider the weather as it's an open-air sculpture. Weekends can be busier, so weekdays might offer a more serene experience.

Understanding the Sculpture's Unique Acoustics

The Elogio del Horizonte is designed to amplify sounds from its center, including the waves and wind. Stand inside to experience this unique acoustic phenomenon, a key element of Chillida's design.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon to sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

El Elogio del Horizonte
amigosdegijon
90 likes • 1.3K views

🎯 Stand in the Center

Experience the unique sound amplification of the waves and wind by standing in the sculpture's core. Reddit

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The views are spectacular at sunset; bring your camera for unforgettable photos. Instagram

¿Quién no conoce en Gijón el Elogio del horizonte o el Molinón o el Chaflán o los Tacones de Lola? Pues eso todos. Y aunque Víctor y Lola sean muy conocidos, realmente solo sus familiares y allegados saben a la perfección lo que sienten el uno por el otro. Y en estas palabras no se puede definir mejor la relación que mantiene esta pareja. Si queréis saber más sobre esta fantástica boda en el llaga...
ilusiones_visuales
79 likes • 4K views
“Elogio del horizonte”, Eduardo Chillida. 📍Gijón. #Gijón #chillida #asturias #travel #asturiasparaisonatural #reel #spain #elogiodelhorizonteselfie #elogiodelhorizonte
feriaseva
239 likes • 5.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Hill

The Cerro de Santa Catalina offers more than just the sculpture; enjoy a pleasant walk with historical elements. Reddit

🆓 Free Admission

Enjoy this impressive artwork and its surroundings without any entry fee. Instagram

Escultura "Elogio del Horizonte", Gijón. #espaňa #gijón #astúrias #asturiasparaisonatural #escultura
cartografia_digital
8 likes • 258 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Stand in the Center

Experience the unique sound amplification of the waves and wind by standing in the sculpture's core. Reddit

🌅 Catch the Sunset

The views are spectacular at sunset; bring your camera for unforgettable photos. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Hill

The Cerro de Santa Catalina offers more than just the sculpture; enjoy a pleasant walk with historical elements. Reddit

🆓 Free Admission

Enjoy this impressive artwork and its surroundings without any entry fee. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The walk up to the sculpture involves some inclines, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Elogio del Horizonte for its stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset, and the unique acoustic experience within the sculpture. Many appreciate its free access and the pleasant walk up the Cerro de Santa Catalina. Some wish for more information about the artwork on-site.

"Created in 1990 by Eduardo Chillida, this concrete structure is one of the most representative works of modern sculpture. Characterized by geometric shapes and curves, it is designed to honor the horizon, symbolizing the coexistence of humanity and nature while emphasizing the vastness of space and the freedom of thought. Standing on Santa Catalina Hill, facing the Atlantic Ocean, this artwork creates an impressive visual connection between the land, sea, and sky."

Seokjin Ham

"A great sunset spot ! Very beautiful view from the top. The center of the structure amplifies sound, its interesting. It has a sket park just down the alley."

Biswabrata Banerjee

"Such a lovely spot on the coast and great to see on a walk of the area. Just wish the sculpture itself had some information - I learned through google reviews of its design to amplify nearby sounds including the waves! Was really cool to stand inside and experience it. Amazing views"

Abigail Gray

What People Like

Spectacular sunset views
Unique sound amplification
Free admission and access

What People Dislike

Lack of onsite information

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Elogio del Horizonte is located atop the Cerro de Santa Catalina in Gijón. You can reach it by walking from the city center, following signs towards Cimadevilla or the promenade. It's a pleasant walk, often combined with exploring the old town and the beach. Reddit

While there isn't direct parking at the sculpture itself, there are several public parking lots in the vicinity of Gijón's city center and port area. From there, it's a scenic walk up to the hill. Reddit

Buses run frequently to Gijón's city center. From there, it's a walkable distance to the Cerro de Santa Catalina. Check local bus routes for the most convenient stops near the Cimadevilla neighborhood. Reddit

The paths leading up to the Cerro de Santa Catalina are generally well-maintained, and the sculpture itself is accessible for people with reduced mobility. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy walking along the 'Muro' (promenade) and then ascending the hill. This offers beautiful coastal views along the way. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to Elogio del Horizonte and the Cerro de Santa Catalina is completely free. You can visit and enjoy the sculpture and its views at any time. Instagram

As an outdoor sculpture, Elogio del Horizonte is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours, especially around sunset, is highly recommended for the best experience. Instagram

There is no entrance fee for the Cerro de Santa Catalina or the Elogio del Horizonte sculpture. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy. Instagram

While technically accessible, visiting at night might be less ideal due to limited lighting and the loss of the panoramic daytime views. The sunset experience is particularly popular. Instagram

While official guided tours specifically for the sculpture might be limited, local tourist information centers can provide details on city tours that may include this landmark. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for photography. However, the sculpture is also striking on a clear day with blue skies. Instagram

You can capture wide-angle shots of the sculpture against the sea and sky, close-ups of its texture, and panoramic views of Gijón. Don't forget to photograph people interacting with the sculpture. Instagram

Standing inside the sculpture to capture the framed views of the ocean is a popular choice. The surrounding hill also offers excellent vantage points for cityscapes. Reddit

Drone regulations can vary, and it's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in this area. Instagram

For sunset, consider using a tripod for stability, shooting in RAW format for editing flexibility, and experimenting with exposure compensation to capture the dynamic range of light. Instagram

🎫 👂 Onsite Experience

The central part of the sculpture is designed to amplify sounds, creating an acoustic effect where you can hear the waves, wind, and even conversations with enhanced clarity. Reddit

Created by Eduardo Chillida, it's a monumental concrete sculpture symbolizing the coexistence of humanity and nature, honoring the vastness of the horizon and freedom of thought. Reddit

Yes, the Cerro de Santa Catalina itself has historical elements like Roman wall remains and bunkers. The sculpture is also part of a scenic coastal walk. Reddit

While there are no dedicated seating areas directly at the sculpture, the surrounding parkland on the hill offers benches and grassy spots to sit and enjoy the views. Reddit

Walk around it, stand inside to appreciate the acoustics, and take time to absorb the panoramic views of the sea and city. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Elogio del Horizonte is a fantastic spot for families. The open space on the Cerro de Santa Catalina allows kids to run around safely, and the unique sound experience inside the sculpture is often a hit with younger visitors. It's a great way to introduce children to modern art in an engaging way. Reddit

Remember to bring comfortable shoes for the walk up, and consider packing snacks and drinks as facilities are limited. The panoramic views are also a great opportunity for kids to learn about geography and the sea. The nearby skate park can be an added bonus for older children. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

This is an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers as admission is completely free. You can enjoy world-class art and stunning natural scenery without spending a dime. Instagram

Combine your visit with a walk along the 'Muro' promenade and explore the charming Cimadevilla neighborhood. Pack a picnic to enjoy the views, saving money on dining out. The accessibility and free entry make it a must-visit for anyone traveling on a budget. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Elogio del Horizonte a dream location. The sculpture's dramatic form, the expansive ocean backdrop, and the ever-changing light offer endless creative possibilities. Instagram

Aim for the golden hour around sunset for dramatic lighting and vibrant colors. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the sculpture and its surroundings, and don't miss the opportunity to shoot from within the sculpture to frame the horizon. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Eduardo Chillida's Vision: The Elogio del Horizonte

The Elogio del Horizonte (Praise to the Horizon) is a monumental sculpture by Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, completed in 1990. Cast in reinforced concrete, it weighs approximately 500 tons and stands 10 meters high. Chillida envisioned this work as a dialogue between the earth and the sky, a tribute to the infinite expanse of the horizon. He sought a location that would embody this connection, eventually finding it atop the Cerro de Santa Catalina in Gijón. The sculpture's imposing, geometric form is designed not just for visual impact but also for its unique acoustic properties. Instagram

The placement on the hill, overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, was crucial to Chillida's concept. The sculpture acts as a frame, drawing the viewer's eye towards the vastness of the ocean and the sky. Its central opening is engineered to amplify natural sounds, creating an immersive experience where the roar of the waves and the whisper of the wind become integral parts of the artwork. This acoustic dimension transforms the sculpture from a static object into a dynamic sensory experience, inviting contemplation on space, nature, and human existence. Reddit

Visitors often describe the feeling of standing within the sculpture as profound. The way it channels the sounds of the sea and the wind creates a powerful, almost spiritual connection to the environment. It's a testament to Chillida's ability to merge art, architecture, and nature into a singular, unforgettable encounter. InstagramReddit

Exploring the Cerro de Santa Catalina

The Cerro de Santa Catalina is more than just the site of the Elogio del Horizonte; it's a historically rich and scenic promontory offering breathtaking views of Gijón and the surrounding coastline. The hill itself has a long history, once featuring a chapel dedicated to Santa Catalina, which gave the area its name. Today, remnants of its past, including historical fortifications and even traces of Roman walls, can be found scattered across the landscape, adding layers of historical intrigue to the natural beauty. InstagramReddit

This elevated position makes it a prime spot for panoramic photography, capturing the sweep of San Lorenzo beach, the old town (Cimadevilla), and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful escape from the city bustle. The well-maintained paths make it an enjoyable place for a leisurely stroll, a brisk walk, or a dedicated hike, especially when combined with the coastal promenade known as 'El Muro'. Instagram

Adjacent to the sculpture, you'll also find a skate park, adding a modern recreational element to the historical and artistic significance of the hill. This blend of art, history, nature, and recreation makes the Cerro de Santa Catalina a multifaceted destination, perfect for a relaxed afternoon of exploration and appreciation. Reddit

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