On a recent trek to northern Spain, I was surprised to learn about a connection with classic Sci-Fi novelist Jules Verne. As it turned out Verne mentions Vigo, Spain in 20,000 Leagues under the Sea.
Verne, needed a shipwreck filled with silver to fill Captain Nemo’s coffers so he’d be wealthy enough to fund future voyages of the Nautilus. Enter The Bay of Vigo, Spain and the Anglo-Dutch wrecks of the Battle of Rande in 1702 which Verne borrowed as treasure ships for Nemo to pilfer. Verne leaned so much history and technology that in my opinion he could be called the first technothriller writer. Think about that for a bit while I go fill my boots with silver.
A funny anecdote. Verne ended up visiting Vigo twice personally quite accidentally (he had ship troubles both times and was forced into port). The locals were excited by the visits and welcomed him enthusiastically. Over a hundred and fifty years later, the city of Vigo created this statue to honour the French author. On February 18 of every year, the Jules Verne Society of Vigo gathers to read the chapter ‘The Bay of Vigo’ aloud. If you ever visit, don’t worry if you don’t know Spanish. They read it in multiple languages.