Estatua Icue

C. Carmen, 2, 30201 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain

Where to go

Estatua Icue

Historic Site

Websiteturismo.cartagena.es/esculturas.asp

The Estatua Icue is a significant cultural landmark in Cartagena, representing the playful spirit of local children known as 'íques' who roamed the city's port area. This bronze sculpture, created by Manuel Ardil Pagán and inaugurated in 1969, serves as a symbol of Cartagena's rich history and community. It is often compared to iconic statues in other cities, making it a must-see for visitors wanting to connect with the city's identity.

When you visit the Estatua Icue, you'll find it situated in a charming square surrounded by historic buildings and a lively atmosphere. The statue is accompanied by a fountain and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to gather. The area is filled with bars and restaurants where you can enjoy tapas and watch the world go by. The ambiance changes throughout the day, making it an inviting place to relax, take photos, and soak in the local culture. The surrounding streets are clean and well-kept, offering a pleasant stroll through Cartagena's old town.

Visiting the Estatua Icue is free, and the area is accessible year-round. It's best to go in the late afternoon or early evening when the light is perfect for photos and the atmosphere is lively. There are several public parking options nearby, and if you're lucky, you might find street parking in the blue zone. The statue is just a 10-minute walk from the Cartagena Puerto, making it easy to include in your itinerary while exploring the city's cultural treasures.

Reviews (10)

Alberto García

5.0

An iconic spot in the city center. The old town is beautiful at any time of the year and has different atmospheres depending on the time of day. 100% recommended and a must-visit (Cartagena).

via google · 3/8/2026

Fatares

5.0

The Ícue is the iconic sculpture of Cartagena, by excellence. It is to Cartagena what the Little Mermaid is to Copenhagen or the Manneken Pis is to Brussels. The ícues were the children of Cartagena who lived, roamed, or played in the old town, especially around the port. Mischievous, but good-hearted. It embodies the essence of Cartagena's customs. Long live the ícues and long live Cartagena!

via google · 10/3/2025

yulfary Gamba

5.0

Great place to discover clean streets, great restaurants, and just 10 minutes walk to reach the Cartagena Puerto, full of culture and amazing sunset.

via google · 11/6/2024

Oloman

4.0

A typical point of interest in Cartagena that is worth seeing, even though there is nothing particularly spectacular about it. The reason is that the fountain and statue it is named after are considered by some to be a symbol of the city. It represents an "icue", which was the term used in the past for boys who wandered alone around the port, dressed in that manner during the seasons when swimming was welcomed. It was inaugurated in 1969.

via google · 5/20/2024

José Julio Melgares

5.0

Diary of a curious person. Saturday, March 4, 2023, 6:31 PM. A bronze sculpture created by the sculptor Manuel Ardil Pagán. Icues was the term used for the mischievous children who would dive and wander around the docks of the port. It was inaugurated on May 22, 1969.

via google · 8/28/2023

Bodilly Mill

4.0

Cartagena is full of nice treasures. Well worth a visit

via google · 5/11/2023

Julio A Montalvo

5.0

🙂 Nice fountain.

via google · 9/29/2022

Alexander Rodriguez

5.0

Everything is very charming with the old buildings. There is a square with the famous Icue fountain in the middle of an open-air shopping center in the historic center of Cartagena. There are several paid public parking areas nearby, and with a bit of luck, you might find parking in the blue zone. There are also many bars and restaurants in the vicinity, as well as souvenir shops.

via google · 1/7/2022

Ashley Jackson

5.0

Me and my family love this place always a lovely atmosphere around here.

via google · 9/26/2020

Timothy Donnison

5.0

Lovely tapas great service a nice place to watch the world go by

via google · 9/27/2019

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Estatua Icue

Estatua Icue

Categories

Reviews (10)

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