Merlion in Singapore – history, photo, description, how to get there, map

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia. This is one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of territory, its area is only 715 square meters. km (half the area of ​​Russian St. Petersburg). Singapore has a rich history, only for the last one hundred and fifty years it was (since 1867) a British colony, during the Second World War it belonged (from 1942 to 1945) to Japan. In 1963, as a result of a referendum, Singapore entered the Federation of Malaysia, and on August 9, 1965 gained independence. Now it is one of the developed and richest countries in the world, an international financial center is located here, the oil refining industry and tourism are developed, there is a port, the largest in Asia.

Almost every capital has its own symbol. Like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Big Ben in London or George the Victorious in Moscow. Singapore also has its own symbol, it is called Merlion (or Merlion), which means “sea lion”. The fish speaks of the connection of the inhabitants of the city with the sea, and the lion speaks of fearlessness and strength.

Myths of the ancient land

Singapore in translation means lion (singa) and city (pura). There are several legends about why there is a lion in the name of the city, because this animal has never been found on the island. The city was named after the first prince of Malaysia, Sang Nila Utama. According to the ancient chronicle, having received the title “Lord of the Three Worlds”, he left his native city and went to other lands. On the way, his attention was attracted by a picturesque island, the shores of which were covered with white sand.

The locals said that this place (at that time a small fishing village) was called Tumasek. According to an ancient chronicle, when the prince and his entourage landed on the island, they met an unprecedented creature with a brown body and a large head. Seeing people, it hid. None of the Maharaja's entourage knew what kind of strange beast it was, and only one very old man said that it was a lion. The strange animal, strong, graceful and agile, struck the prince. Therefore, having settled on this land, the prince renamed Tumasek Island to Singapore, which means lion city.

History of creation

There is an ancient legend that says that a huge creature with the body of a fish and the head of a lion lived in the sea near this place. It protected the island and all its inhabitants from severe storms or attacks from enemies. Then Merlion floated to the surface, his eyes filled with red light and incinerated everything that could threaten people. It was decided to make the Merlion a symbol of Singapore in 1964 at the initiative of the Tourism Board. It was designed by Foriser Brunner. The symbolism is based on the origin of the name of the city.

The history of the monument began in the early 70s of the last century. The government of Singapore decided to make a statue as a sign of respect for the revered creature. They allocated money from the treasury in the amount of 165,000 Singapore dollars, a significant amount for that time. Talented local sculptor Lim Nang Seng got to work and sculpted the fountain figure of the Merlion, based on the 1864 emblem. The statue is cast from white alumina concrete, has a height of 8.6 m and weighs 70 tons, was installed in 1972.

Initially, the sculpture was installed at the mouth of the Singapore River, near the Explanade Bridge. A park was laid out around it, also called the Merlion. But then the bridge was reconstructed, as a result of which the sculpture was not visible from the river. Therefore, in 2002, it was moved downstream more than 120 m and installed opposite the Fullerton Hotel.

In 2009, a terrible thunderstorm swept over the city and lightning hit the statue, causing it severe damage – a large piece of concrete broke off from the lion's head. At present, everything has been carefully restored: the statue of Merlion, the pool located nearby, the surrounding area – a place where numerous tourists and local residents come with pleasure. Here you can admire the fountain and relax on the picturesque river bank. The statue of Merlion is oriented strictly to the east, as required by Feng Shui, so that the city prospers and grows rich. The second small figurine of a half-fish-half-lion is not far away, in a glass cube. Its weight is three tons, and its height is not more than two meters.

Copies

In the capital, in addition to the original, there are four more copies of the Merlion. The largest, 37-meter sculpture, is installed on Sentosa Island, which is located across the strait from Singapore. The fountain was built as an entertainment center – there are souvenir shops, a cinema hall, a history museum. The world-famous laser show is regularly held. Equipped with two observation decks on the 9th and 12th floors – at the level of the head and mouth of a lion. Big Mayoline is 60 meters above sea level, offering stunning panoramic views of the island and the modern skyscrapers of the metropolis. An unforgettable sight, if possible, you should definitely visit this place.

Mount Faber, high above the city, is home to one of Singapore's oldest parks. There are many viewing platforms here, because the mountain offers a beautiful panoramic view. One of the main attractions of Mount Faber is the statue of Merlion, which meets tourists at the top of the hill. The three-meter sculpture is installed near the office of the Singapore Tourism Board. This is a three-meter glazed figure of a fish-lion.

Where are located

The original Merlion sculpture and a small copy of it are located in Merlion Park, in Marina Bay, opposite the Fullerton Hotel. You can get here by taxi, by bus. It is more convenient to use the metro, Rafflee Place station (blue line).

The largest 37-meter sculpture is located on Sentos Island. It is possible to get there by cable car, by high-speed train, use a taxi or walk across the bridge.

Mount Faber, where another Merlion sculpture is located, is connected to the city by cable car. This short trip will give the tourist the opportunity to admire the picturesque view of the Singapore Harbor. The starting point is the Singapore World Trade Center. Another copy of the Merlion is located in the city center on Grange Road. You can get there by bus or taxi. Today Merlion is the world famous symbol of Singapore. But besides the statues of the mythical animal, there are many more sights that will impress the most demanding traveler. Some can only be seen in this exotic country. And hospitable locals are always glad to see guests.