The world is full of curious works of art, some of which defy the imagination. Among the most impressive human creations are the curious statues, which decorate both ancient and modern monuments. These sculptures not only tell fascinating stories, but also invite us to reflect on art, history and human creativity.
Below, we invite you on a tour of some of the most striking and perplexing statues in the world, starting in Turkey and reaching as far away as Russia and Greece, not forgetting other amazing sculptures spread across the globe.
Mount Nemrut, Türkiye
Mount Nemrut Nemrud, with an altitude of 2,134 meters, is a mountain in southeastern Turkey, in the province of Adiyaman. This site is famous for housing what is popularly known as the sanctuary of the decapitated gods. The top of this mountain is decorated with impressive statues dating back to the XNUMXst century BC.
The site was built by King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene as a funerary sanctuary. Antiochus had colossal 9-metre-high statues erected in honour of various gods. In his time, these statues were intact and were presented seated, with the names of the gods inscribed on them. Today, the heads of the statues are scattered around the area, creating an enigmatic image and another of the great mysteries of history.
Mount Nemrut is also an important World Heritage Site of the UNESCO, and offers one of the most impressive panoramic views in Türkiye, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the shadows of the statues create an almost mystical atmosphere.
The Motherland Statue, Russia
In Russia, there is a statue that leaves no one indifferent. It is the imposing Statue of the Motherland, also known as “The Motherland Calls!” This monumental sculpture reaches a height of 85 metres and is located on Mamayev Kurgan Hill in the city of Volgograd.
Unveiled in 1967, the statue personifies Mother Russia and pays tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II. It was designed by sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich and engineer Nikolai Nikitin, and remains one of the tallest statues in the world.
The weight of each piece of the statue is about 8 tons, making it a true engineering feat of its time.
The Lions of Delos, Greece
Continuing our tour of the most curious statues in the world, we move to Greece, where another set of emblematic sculptures stands: the Delos lionsThese statues are located north of the Portico of Antigonus on the island of Delos.
Built over 3,000 years ago, the lions were originally guardians of a sacred site. They are believed to have been erected in honour of the god Apollo, to protect the once sacred island. Although only five of the original nine statues remain today, they continue to attract many tourists for their impressive preservation and symbolism.
The Ogre Who Eats Children, Switzerland
In Bern, Switzerland, we came across one of the most disturbing sculptures in the world: Child eater fountain, better known as “The Child Eater”. This fountain, which dates back to the 16th century, depicts an ogre taking a small child into its mouth.
The true meaning of the sculpture remains a mystery. Some historians suggest that it could be a warning addressed to the Jewish community, while others associate the figure of the ogre with the Greek god Cronus, who according to mythology devoured his own children. Despite its macabre image, the sculpture remains one of Bern's main tourist attractions.
The Travelers, Marseille, France
Los Viajeros are a series of incomplete sculptures created by Bruno Catalano, which can be found in the port of Marseille. These sculptures show human figures with a significant part of their body missing and seem to stand upright in defiance of physical logic.
The incomplete figures evoke the sense of loss of identity experienced by travelers, suggesting that each person leaves a part of themselves behind in the places they visit. These sculptures invite reflection on the nature of travel and personal transformation.
The Hand of the Desert, Chile
In one of the most arid environments in the world, the Atacama Desert in Chile, stands a giant stone hand. This imposing sculpture, more than 11 meters high, is known as The Hand of the Desert and was created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal.
The gigantic hand emerges from the desert sands, and although its meaning is subjective, many interpret it as a monument to desperation and the fight against oppression. Others see it as a symbol of resistance or even as a representation of humans' efforts to reach the sky. Whatever its original intention, the Hand of the Desert remains one of the most photogenic and iconic places in Chile.
Maman, London, United Kingdom
Among the most impressive sculptures in the world is maman, a huge bronze spider that stands majestically in front of the Tate Modern Gallery in London. This mysterious work was created by artist Louise Bourgeois and measures more than 10 metres in height.
The spider, which often causes unease among visitors, is Bourgeois's tribute to her mother, whom she saw as a skilled weaver and a protective figure. The work has travelled around the world, from Bilbao to Tokyo, and remains a powerful symbol of motherhood and female strength.
Liberty, Philadelphia, United States
The sculpture Freedom (“Freedom”) by Zenos Frudakis in Philadelphia is one of the most poignant in its message. It depicts a sequence of human figures who appear to be escaping from a block of stone, and symbolizes the struggle for personal freedom and self-expression.
The sculpture invites viewers to reflect on their own journey toward freedom, both emotional and physical, and has been acclaimed worldwide for its ability to convey this universal feeling.
Whether in the mountains of Turkey, the desert of Chile, or the most iconic European cities, these statues remind us of the human capacity to create works of art that capture both the imagination and the spirit. If you have the opportunity to travel to any of these destinations, be sure to seek out these sculptures that not only beautify urban and natural landscapes, but also tell stories that inspire and move those who contemplate them.