Motril Hosts Exhibition on Álvaro de Bazán and the Battle of Lepanto
The traveling exhibition, featuring 3D recreations and interactive technology, will be open at the Casa de la Condesa Torre-Isabel until April 25th.
By Macarena Luque Romero
••3 min read
IA
Historical bust of Álvaro de Bazán at a cultural exhibition in Motril.
The city of Motril is hosting the traveling exhibition “Álvaro de Bazán y Lepanto: más allá de Cervantes,” a cultural initiative that delves into the life and legacy of the Spanish admiral, offering a fresh perspective on his historical significance.
The exhibition, which will be open to the public at the Casa de la Condesa Torre-Isabel from April 10th to April 25th, was presented by Miguel Ángel Muñoz, Culture Councillor for the Motril City Council, alongside José Miguel Pérez, a collaborator from the Álvaro de Bazán 500th Anniversary Association. The official inauguration is scheduled for Friday, April 10th, featuring a conference titled “D. Álvaro de Bazán, Lord of the Seas,” delivered by Colonel Bernardo Ramos at 7:30 PM, followed by the exhibition's opening at 8:30 PM.
The exhibition comprises 32 large-format panels, designed with an aesthetic inspired by the sea and ancient portolan charts, which trace the main episodes of Álvaro de Bazán's life. Notable events include the Battle of Muros and the Relief of Oran and Mazalquivir, often less represented than other milestones. To enhance the visitor experience, the exhibition incorporates QR codes linking to an interactive video guide.
Furthermore, the display includes historically valuable 3D recreations, such as a life-size bust of Álvaro de Bazán and a replica of “La Loba,” the emblematic sculpture that adorned the prow of his flagship galley. These pieces aim to provide a more tangible connection to the admiral's legacy. Visiting hours are from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and from Tuesday to Friday, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
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"This exhibition is a unique opportunity to rediscover one of the most important figures in our naval history. From Motril, we want to continue promoting a culture that not only entertains but also encourages reflection, helps us understand our roots, and instills pride in our heritage."
Muñoz Pino underscored the Culture Department's commitment to initiatives that blend historical accuracy with educational outreach, emphasizing the importance of recovering figures like Don Álvaro de Bazán. He described him as “a key figure in Spanish history, protagonist of great milestones such as the Battle of Lepanto, yet still largely unknown to many. It is only right to give him a voice and the place he deserves in our collective memory.”
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"We are facing a very complete exhibition, combining historical rigor with an attractive and accessible visual contribution. Facsimiles, such as the original plan of the Battle of Lepanto or Bazán's autograph letter to Philip II, provide exceptional value, allowing visitors to directly approach historical events."
For his part, José Miguel Pérez Juárez highlighted the high documentary and material quality of the exhibition, stressing the blend of historical precision with visual appeal. He noted the inclusion of facsimiles, such as the original plan of the Battle of Lepanto and an autograph letter from Bazán to Philip II, as elements offering direct access to historical events. Through this initiative, the Motril city council reaffirms its dedication to culture and historical dissemination, promoting the recognition of essential figures in Spanish history.