Did Elcano ever imagine his voyage would be memorialized in steel? Here at the Juan Sebastián Elcano Statue, we see that very tribute. The statue commemorates the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe. Juan Sebastián Elcano, the Spanish navigator who completed this incredible feat, stands tall in Usera, a district of Madrid. The Juan Sebastián Elcano Statue isn’t just a statue. It’s a symbol of resilience, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of the unknown.
The Juan Sebastián Elcano Statue was unveiled in 2022. It was created by sculptor Juan Ramón Martín. The statue is made of Corten steel and reaches over five meters high. It depicts a sphere encircled by a flowing ribbon. This ribbon bears an inscription: “Juan Sebastián Elcano: vos inter primus circunderunt me”. This phrase echoes the motto bestowed upon Elcano by Emperor Charles V: “Primus circumdedisti me” meaning “You were the first to circumnavigate me.” This motto was granted to Elcano to be displayed on his coat of arms, a testament to his historic achievement. The sphere represents the world Elcano circumnavigated. The ribbon symbolizes the path his ship, the Victoria, took on its epic three-year journey.
The location of the Juan Sebastián Elcano Statue in Usera isn’t arbitrary. It stands at the intersection of Guetaria Street and Poblados Avenue. Guetaria is Elcano’s birthplace, a small Basque town. The choice of this location connects Elcano’s origins with his global accomplishment. The Juan Sebastián Elcano Statue wasn’t the only tribute paid to the explorer. A bust of Elcano was also donated by the Spanish Navy to the Juan Sebastián Elcano Early Childhood Education School, also located in Usera. The Spanish Navy played a significant role in the commemoration, participating in the statue’s inauguration and even providing a concert.
The Juan Sebastián Elcano Statue serves as a reminder of a pivotal moment in history. Elcano’s voyage wasn’t just a journey around the world. It was a journey into the unknown. It tested the limits of human endurance and expanded the boundaries of what was thought possible. Elcano’s leadership, after Magellan’s death in the Philippines, brought the last remaining ship, the Victoria, back to Spain laden with spices. Although only 18 of the original 285 crew members survived the arduous journey, their return marked a significant historical achievement. Here at the Juan Sebastián Elcano Statue, we can reflect on this pivotal moment in exploration. Elcano’s voyage stands as a testament to human courage and the enduring spirit of discovery. His journey forever changed our understanding of the world.