La Pasionaria Statue on Clyde Street, Glasgow
A bold riverside monument in Glasgow honoring Dolores Ibárruri and the British volunteers who fought fascism in the Spanish Civil War.
La Pasionaria is a striking statue located on the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow, commemorating Dolores Ibárruri, a Spanish Civil War heroine and symbol of anti-fascist resistance. Sculpted by Arthur Dooley and unveiled in 1980, the statue honors the courage of British volunteers, including many Glaswegians, who fought against fascism in Spain between 1936 and 1939. Its bold design and politically charged history make it a unique landmark in Glasgow.
A brief summary to La Pasionaria
- 286 Clyde St, Glasgow, G1 4AL, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during daylight to fully appreciate the statue’s dramatic silhouette against the Clyde River backdrop.
- Explore nearby plaques for detailed inscriptions about the volunteers and the Spanish Civil War.
- Combine your visit with a walk along the Clyde Walkway to experience Glasgow’s riverside heritage.
- Learn about the political history behind the statue to understand its significance beyond its artistic presence.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take Glasgow Subway to St Enoch Station, then walk approximately 15 minutes along the riverside to Clyde Street. Frequent bus services also run nearby, with journey times from central Glasgow around 10-20 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £1.80–£3.00 GBP.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from Glasgow city center to 286 Clyde Street typically takes 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares usually range from £5 to £10 GBP. This option offers direct access but may be affected by peak-hour congestion.
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Walking
If you are staying in central Glasgow, walking to La Pasionaria along the Clyde Walkway is a scenic option, taking approximately 20–30 minutes on mostly flat terrain. The route is accessible and offers views of the river and city landmarks.
La Pasionaria location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about La Pasionaria
A Monument to Anti-Fascist Valor
La Pasionaria, perched prominently on Clyde Street near Custom House Quay, is a powerful tribute to Dolores Ibárruri, the iconic Spanish communist and orator famed for her passionate anti-fascist stance during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). Sculpted by Arthur Dooley and unveiled on 23 February 1980, the statue commemorates the bravery of the International Brigades, particularly the 2,100 British volunteers who joined the fight against fascism. Of these, 534 lost their lives, including 65 from the Glasgow area, making the Clyde banks a fitting location for this memorial.The Figure and Its Symbolism
The statue depicts Ibárruri with arms outstretched and face uplifted, embodying defiance and hope. Known as La Pasionaria—meaning "The Passion Flower"—she was renowned for her stirring oratory and her rallying cry “¡No pasarán!” (“They shall not pass!”), which became a symbol of resistance. The monument’s base bears her famous exhortation, “Better to die on your feet than live forever on your knees,” encapsulating her revolutionary spirit and commitment to the anti-fascist cause.Controversy and Political Context
The erection of the statue was not without controversy. Funded by trade unions and the Labour movement, and commissioned by the International Brigades Association of Glasgow, the monument’s overt communist symbolism sparked political opposition, particularly from Conservative councillors who sought to block or remove it. Despite heated debates and protests, La Pasionaria remained, standing as a testament to Glasgow’s political history and the city’s role in international anti-fascist solidarity.Historical Legacy and Cultural Resonance
Dolores Ibárruri’s legacy extends beyond the statue. After the Spanish Republic’s fall, she lived in exile in Moscow for nearly four decades before returning to Spain in 1977. Her life and work symbolize the global struggle against fascism and the sacrifices made by volunteers worldwide. Glasgow’s La Pasionaria statue not only honors these fighters but also serves as a reminder of the city’s deep connections to international political movements and the enduring power of resistance.Artistic and Material Aspects
Arthur Dooley initially envisioned a bronze statue but due to funding constraints, the final work was crafted from scrap iron and fiberglass, giving it a raw, industrial aesthetic that resonates with Glasgow’s working-class heritage. The statue’s bold, stylized form and its prominent riverside setting make it a distinctive landmark, blending artistic expression with historical memory.Commemoration and Visitor Experience
Visitors to La Pasionaria can reflect on the complex history it represents—the courage of volunteers, the ideological battles of the 20th century, and the continuing relevance of anti-fascist ideals. The statue’s location on Clyde Street offers a contemplative riverside atmosphere, inviting engagement with Glasgow’s layered past and its international connections.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
