The statue of Marbella's patron, San Bernabé, has been restored in just a few weeks after suffering an act of vandalism. The image is once again on display in the square named after him, just in time for the festivities on June 11.
The San Bernabé square, located in the heart of Marbella's old town, has regained one of its most beloved icons. The statue of the city's patron, which presides over the site next to the Church of the Incarnation, underwent an express restoration to be ready before the pilgrimage on June 11. The reason: an act of vandalism that removed part of the palm leaf he holds in his left hand.
The Marbella City Council, through its property maintenance plan, coordinated the intervention. The companies Conacon and Masfalt, responsible for the plan, brought in two specialists: Canalcom from Alhaurín de la Torre, and Bronces Artísticos de Madrid, the same firm that sculpted the original figure 22 years ago. The work, according to municipal sources, was intense and completed in record time.
A Race Against the Clock
The Brotherhood of the Romeros de San Bernabé expressed to the City Council their wish for the statue to be repaired in time for the festivities. The deadline was tight, but the professionals accepted the challenge. The new piece, with the restored palm and the sculpture waxed to regain its original shine, was installed on June 9, just two days before the big day. "It arrived just in time," acknowledged officials from the City Council.
The restoration not only restored the palm leaf but also included a complete waxing treatment to protect the bronze and enhance its colour. The image, created by the late artist Santiago de Santiago Hernández, who passed away three years ago, shines once again in all its glory. For the residents of Marbella, seeing the statue intact is a source of pride, especially on such a significant date.
More Heritage Recovered
The intervention on the statue of San Bernabé adds to other heritage recovery efforts in the city. The walls of the Marbella castle, the well-known "horse fountain" at the entrance of the old town, and the lighthouse, which houses the Tourism Delegation and a Sea Classroom, have all been restored. Additionally, the Trapiche del Prado is almost ready to serve as an interpretation centre, although its opening will be delayed until the completion of the nursing home being built on the same site.
For the people of Marbella, these improvements boost the city's tourist and cultural appeal. Strolling through the old town and encountering the restored patron is a small luxury that, according to City Council sources, reinforces local identity. The statue, which has presided over the square since 2002, is a meeting point for locals and visitors, and its repair has been met with satisfaction.
The next heritage event will be the opening of the Trapiche interpretation centre, which will offer a journey through the history of sugar cane in the region. In the meantime, the people of Marbella can already enjoy their renewed patron, ready to continue witnessing the celebrations and daily life of the city.
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