The Mermaid of Mahón stands on the Moll de Llevant waterfront promenade in the harbor district of Mahón (Maó), Menorca, in Spain’s Balearic Islands. The sculpture overlooks one of the world’s largest natural harbors and is easily accessible on foot from the city center and marina restaurants. map
The Mermaid of Mahón stands on the Moll de Llevant waterfront promenade in the harbor district of Mahón (Maó), Menorca, in Spain’s Balearic Islands. The sculpture overlooks one of the world’s largest natural harbors and is easily accessible on foot from the city center and marina restaurants. map
She is based on a well known legend of a mermaid who rescued the son of a Carthaginian general when he shipwrecked on the shores of what was then a barely inhabited island. The mermaid and the general’s son fell in love and had a romance, but he later died in battle. Since then the mermaid has been waiting for him on a rock, convinced that he will return some day.
Mahon is also known as Maó-Mahón or simply Maó, which in the local pronunciation is shortened to Mó, which is also the mermaid's name. Originally, in 205 BC, Mahon was settled by and named after Cathaginian general Magon Barca, brother of Hannibal.
The bronze mermaid is depicted seated at the harbor’s edge, looking down in contemplation. Her posture and flowing form create a sense of calm reflection against the movement of the marina and harbor waters.
Exposure to sea air and sunlight gives the sculpture a changing surface character throughout the day, making it a particularly popular subject for photography at sunrise and sunset.
Sculptor Leonardo Lucarini created this mermaid in bronze and named her Mô to identify her with the city and its long history. His work often explores themes connected to the Mediterranean, mythology, human emotion, and history.
Many diverse cultures have left their mark and character on the island, all the way back through the Spaniards and the French, the Romans and the Greeks, the Turks and Visigoths to the Carthaginians and the Phoenician culture they brought with them.
Like Copenhagen’s famous Little Mermaid, the Mermaid of Mahón connects a coastal city to mythology and maritime identity. It also reflects the warmth, light, and layered cultural history of the Mediterranean world.
She has been beautifully captured by great photographers as you can see below.
Today, the Mermaid of Mahón stands as both a public artwork and a quiet symbol of Menorca’s connection to the sea. Blending mythology, history, and Mediterranean atmosphere, the sculpture has become part of the visual identity of Mahón’s harbor and an enduring point of fascination for visitors exploring the island.
References:
● https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahón
● http: //www.menorca.info/suplementos/culturalia/2011/culturalia185/446692/arte/esculpir/amabilidad
● The Mermaids of Earth coffee-table book: See page 83 in the book about this sculpture.
