The term 'Icue' is derived from the local dialect, referring to the impoverished children who inhabited the harbor areas.
It is a tribute to the 'polizones' and water urchins who played a significant role in the port's daily socio-economic life.
The statue was installed to preserve the memory of the working-class spirit of the Cartagena waterfront.
The sculptor, Manuel Ardil Pagán, was a local artist known for capturing the essence of Murcian identity.
The statue has become a focal point for civic gatherings and is a central anchor in the pedestrianized commercial core.
The Icue statue is a bronze sculpture located in the heart of Cartagena, representing the quintessential street urchin of the city's early 20th-century port district. Created by artist Manuel Ardil Pagán, the monument honors the 'Icue,' a local term for children who used to dive for coins tossed by passengers from arriving ships. The statue depicts a young boy in a modest pose, serving as a social historical marker of the city's maritime heritage. It is positioned at the intersection of Calle del Carmen and Puerta de Murcia, serving as a primary meeting point for locals. As of July 2026, the statue remains a permanent, public outdoor installation accessible at all times. It is considered one of the most recognizable symbols of Cartagena's cultural identity.
At eye level from the pedestrian path, capturing the statue with the historic buildings of Calle del Carmen in the background.
Visit during the early morning to photograph the statue without the usual crowds of shoppers.
Combine your visit with a walk down the adjacent pedestrian streets to see the local modernist architecture.
Look for the plaque near the statue base for a brief context on the history of the Icue urchins.
Do not mistake it for a generic fountain; it is a dedicated historical sculpture located in a busy commercial zone.
