One of the most distinctive public sculptures in Spain stands at the edge of Vigo's harbour: a bronze Jules Verne locked in combat with a giant octopus. The work was created by sculptor José Molares for the centenary of Verne's death, unveiled in 2012, and references the author's famous association with Vigo Bay.
In Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Verne has Captain Nemo and the crew of the Nautilus dive in the bay to recover treasure from a fleet of Spanish galleons sunk during the 1702 Battle of Rande. The fictional treasure has inspired numerous real salvage attempts over the centuries. The monument sits near the harbour entrance, a short walk from the Mercado da Pedra and the old town steps — easy to add to any waterfront walk.