Monumento al Encierro, Bronze statue near Plaza de Toros, Pamplona, Spain
The Monumento al Encierro is a bronze sculpture in Pamplona depicting nineteen figures: six bulls, three cattle, and ten runners in motion along a simulated cobblestone path. The composition stretches across a considerable length and shows the scene of the famous bull-running tradition in dynamic poses.
Artist Rafael Huerta created the initial version in 1994 with two runners and one bull. The sculpture was later expanded to its current size in 2007, now showing the full dynamic of the tradition.
The sculpture captures the intensity of the Running of the Bulls tradition during San Fermin, showing runners in different positions and expressions. It serves as a central gathering spot for visitors wanting to understand the tradition without participating in the dangerous event itself.
The sculpture stands at the intersection of Avenida de Roncesvalles and Avenida Carlos III and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors can walk around it freely from various angles and photograph it anytime, as it sits in a public space.
One of the fallen runner figures in the sculpture is a self-portrait of artist Rafael Huerta, integrated discreetly into the composition. This hidden artistic signature makes the work a personal gesture from its creator.
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