The sculpture was commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Casa de Misericordia, the institution that organizes the bull run.
Rafael Huerta used real-life models and study sessions of moving animals to achieve the sense of kinetic energy in the bronze figures.
Despite the lifelike movement depicted, the bronze figures are cast in a static arrangement, forcing viewers to walk around them to perceive the narrative flow.
The monument is positioned precisely along the path that the bulls take during their journey from the corral to the bullring.
The Encierro Monument is a massive bronze sculpture located at the start of the historic bull run route in Pamplona. Created by sculptor Rafael Huerta in 1994, the work measures 11 meters in length and weighs approximately 3,600 kilograms. It depicts a chaotic scene of bulls and runners in mid-stride, capturing the tension of the San Fermín festival. The monument is situated on Avenida Roncesvalles, a key thoroughfare in the city center. It serves as a permanent, three-dimensional representation of the event that occurs annually in July. The composition features several bulls, steers, and human participants rendered in a dynamic, life-sized style.
From the front-right angle to capture the full progression of bulls and runners together in one frame.
Visit during the early morning hours to avoid the midday crowds that gather for photos.
Walk the length of the monument to see the changing expressions of the bulls and runners from different angles.
Look for the plaque at the base which provides additional context on the sculptor and the commission year.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the bronze figures, as they are not designed to support human weight.
