Iconic sea god statue becomes tourist climbing frame
The iconic sculpture of Neptune, situated just off the coast of Melenara beach in the Gran Canaria municipality of Telde, has become the scene of disrespectful behaviour from some visitors. Locals have publicly complained that several tourists, including minors, frequently climb onto the figure to take photos, taking advantage of the lack of informative or deterrent signage. Far from being an isolated incident, the scene has become commonplace on sunny days or when the sea is calm.
Recurrent behaviour damages monument and risks safety
Images shared by residents show people scaling the base and trident of the sculpture, which is positioned on the rock known as El Puntón, just a few metres from the shore. For the people of Melenara, this practice, which might initially have seemed anecdotal, has become a recurrent behaviour that threatens both the integrity of the monument and the safety of those climbing it, as reported by Telde Actualidad. One key factor explaining this situation, according to residents, is the disappearance of signs that previously explicitly warned against climbing the sculpture.
Missing warning signs give wrong impression
These signs were placed on the pier and nearby areas of the beach, warning of the dangers and appealing for respect for the sculptural heritage. Currently, with no visible deterrent, many tourists are unaware that climbing the artwork is prohibited and might even think it is a permitted activity. The absence of signage has opened the door to this inappropriate and potentially dangerous use of the monument.
Slippery surface poses real physical danger
Beyond the aesthetic issue or respect for public art, locals emphasise the real physical risk this behaviour entails. The large, metallic sculpture is exposed to sea conditions, including waves and salt spray, making it a slippery and dangerous surface to climb. “The problem isn’t just that they damage the figure, but that someone could fall into the sea or hit themselves on the rock. It’s a matter of safety, as well as respect,” point out those in the neighbourhood. Furthermore, continuous contact with the body of the sculpture—from footwear, friction, and accidental blows—could accelerate the deterioration of the artwork, which would mean an economic and cultural cost for the community.
No post found!