Statue of the patron god (Melkart) in Andalusia by Silva Wischeropp

About "Statue of the patron god (Melkart) in Andalusia"

by Silva Wischeropp

About the artwork

This fascinating, enchanting statue of a patron god in the former tuna fishing village in Sancti Petri in Andalusia was taken on 21 August 2025 in the evening hours with the NIKON D800 camera (lens: NIKKOR 24.0-70.0 mm f/2.8).

The loud humming of the factory engines, smoke rising from the chimneys, lorries leaving the canning factory loaded with goods - this bustling atmosphere can only be vaguely remembered by villagers over 60. Now the hustle and bustle of the fishing industry has been swapped for a bizarre ghost town-like atmosphere.

The former Mecca of the tuna industry has now been transformed into a quiet place with a unique maritime flair. North of the busy tourist facilities of "Novo Sancti Petri", you can find peace and quiet here among the old fishing boats and indulge in nostalgia.

Maritime pleasure
Although some abandoned buildings undoubtedly make it clear that Sancti Petri's heyday with 100 working families, a factory, town hall and even a cinema is long gone, a few restaurants prove that the locals are still experts in at least one thing: FISH!

Dine on the bounty of the sea in a sophisticated atmosphere at La Casa del Farero restaurant. I particularly liked the window front here, which faces the estuary to the west of the town. The chef also cut the fish for us right at the table and served it on our plates.
Things are much more rustic at the Asociación de Pescadores Caño Chanarro. Just a few steps from La Casa del Farero restaurant is this fishermen's association with down-to-earth catering. The fishermen meet here early in the morning for coffee before they go out on their boats. If you just want to eat good fish, without a lot of frippery and fancy refinements, this is the place for you. At first glance, the restaurant looks more like a simple bar with catering.