Sirenas de Segovia, Mythological sculptures in Plaza de Medina del Campo, Segovia, Spain
Sirenas de Segovia consists of two limestone sculptures with female heads and lion bodies, positioned on both sides of Juan Bravo's statue on a grand staircase. These figures frame a central stairway that serves as a key passage through the city's historic core.
Segovia's city government commissioned Francisco Bellver y Collazos to create these sculptures, which were completed between 1850 and 1852. The works emerged as part of a broader redesign of the square during that period.
The sculptures represent creatures from classical antiquity, with female heads positioned on lion bodies, a less common depiction than the familiar fish-tailed version. This choice shapes how locals refer to and perceive the square today.
The sculptures stand at a main gateway to Segovia's old town and provide a clear landmark for orientation. The location is easily reached on foot and offers a natural stopping point when exploring the surrounding streets.
Rather than creating the commissioned mermaids, the artist produced sphinx-like creatures with female heads and lion bodies, an unexpected creative choice. This departure led the square to become known by many as Plaza de las Sirenas, despite the figures being closer to classical sphinxes.
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