Elogio del horizonte, Concrete sculpture in Cimadevilla, Gijón, Spain
Elogio del Horizonte rises 10 meters above Santa Catalina Hill and consists of curved concrete pillars arranged in a circular form overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. The circular arrangement creates an open chamber in the center where visitors can walk through and face the water.
Eduardo Chillida created this concrete sculpture in 1990 after working through several preliminary studies using steel and wood models. The city of Gijón commissioned the work to mark a viewpoint on the hill that sailors had used for centuries.
The name translates to "Praise of the Horizon" and reflects how sailors once looked toward the sea from this hill. Some locals call it "King Kong's Toilet" because of the rounded opening that frames the ocean.
Access is open from sunrise to sunset, though the hilltop location limits wheelchair access due to steep paths. Wind conditions can be strong, so bringing a jacket is wise, especially when the breeze comes from the west.
The concrete surface changes appearance through natural erosion from salt and wind, transforming the industrial material into a weathered structure. On foggy days, the pillars seem to merge with the sky, creating an almost floating effect above the sea.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
