Cape Horn Monument: A Tribute to Mariners

The Cape Horn Monument stands on Hornos Island, within Chile's Tierra del Fuego archipelago, marking the legendary southernmost tip of South America. More than just a geographical point, Cape Horn embodies maritime history, the raw beauty of nature, and the relentless force of the elements. Inaugurated on December 5, 1992, the monument was erected by the Chilean chapter of the Cape Horniers in memory of seamen from all nations who perished battling the inclemency of nature in the southern seas. The sculpture, created by Chilean sculptor José Balcells Eyquem, is a 7-meter high representation of an albatross in flight, a maritime symbol for the souls lost at sea. The monument consists of two independent pieces, each made of five steel plates, designed to withstand winds of up to 125 mph. Visitors who brave the journey to Cape Horn, typically via expedition cruise, can walk along a wooden boardwalk to the monument. Two marble slabs lie on the path, one with a dedication and the other with a poem by Sara Vial, evoking the spirit of the albatross and the forgotten souls of the dead sailors. Close to the monument, you can also find a lighthouse, a small chapel named Stella Maris, and a Chilean Navy station.