Menhires Por La Paz (Menhirs for Peace), La Coruna

Menhirs for Peace, located near the iconic Tower of Hercules, is a striking sculptural installation that pays homage to Galicia's Celtic heritage while symbolizing unity and remembrance. Inaugurated in 2003 as part of the Dos Menhires Park project, this collection of towering stone structures was crafted by renowned sculptor Manolo Paz. The menhirs are positioned on Campo de la Rata, a site with deep historical significance, once used as an execution ground during Franco's repression. Today, the park stands as both a place of reflection and a powerful artistic statement dedicated to peace and memory.

The installation consists of twelve upright stone sculptures arranged in two concentric circles, symbolically marking the cardinal points. Known as the Family of Menhirs or Menhirs for Peace, each stone represents elements of family-parents standing protectively with their children. Paz masterfully integrated small openings or windows into the stones, allowing visitors to peer through and experience unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape. Depending on the angle, one can catch glimpses of the Tower of Hercules, the endless Atlantic Ocean, or the sun setting over the horizon. These windows are designed to inspire reflection, inviting visitors to interpret the views through their own lens of understanding.

Complementing the menhirs is a granite monument dedicated to the victims of repression, inscribed with poignant verses by poets Federico García Lorca and Uxío Carré Alvarellos. This tribute not only enhances the emotional gravity of the site but also solidifies its role as a place of remembrance and peace.