Ruta de las Caras, Outdoor sculpture gallery near Buendía, Spain
Ruta de las Caras is a collection of around 20 stone faces carved directly into sandstone cliffs along a path beside Buendía Reservoir. The sculptures stretch across two kilometers and display various human expressions and religious figures on the rock surface.
The carvings were created during the 1990s by sculptor Eulogio Reguillo and ceramist Jorge Maldonado, working directly on the stone without preliminary sketches or molds. This artistic project transformed the hillside into a space where art and nature merged together.
The sculptures depict figures from Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian traditions, reflecting a dialogue between different spiritual beliefs. Local people and visitors move through the path as both a walking trail and a space for contemplation across cultures.
The trail can be walked in about one hour and is free to access year-round in all seasons. Wear sturdy shoes since the path is uneven and areas near the water can become slippery.
The faces change their appearance throughout the day as sunlight hits them from different angles, creating a shifting visual experience. When the reservoir water rises seasonally, some of the lower sculptures become submerged and reappear as levels drop again.
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