The Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Maratea is a 22-meter-high statue of Jesus Christ located atop Monte San Biagio in Maratea, southern Italy. Made of concrete faced with Carrara marble, it was erected in 1965 and is slightly smaller than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer.
: [instagram.com/nic.armstrongThe statue is visible from multiple vantage points along the coast, and it faces inland towards the Basilica di San Biagio. The sculpture was created by the Florentine sculptor Bruno Innocenti and was commissioned by Count Stefano Rivetti of Valcervo.
The statue of Christ the Redeemer is a symbol of Maratea and is one of the top attractions in Italy for numerous reasons. It ties the region to its history and commemorates the honorable service of soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the French invasion.
A Brief History of the Statue and Its Location
The statue has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. In the 1920s, a group of local citizens began advocating for the construction of a statue of Christ on the Monte San Biagio hill as a tribute to the soldiers who fought and died during World War I. However, the project was put on hold due to lack of funds and the outbreak of World War II.
In the 1950s, the idea to build a statue was revived, and Count Stefano Rivetti of Valcervo commissioned the Florentine sculptor Bruno Innocenti to design and build the statue. The project took several years to complete, and the statue was finally unveiled in 1965.
The location of the statue was chosen for its strategic position overlooking the town of Maratea and the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The statue is located on the summit of Monte San Biagio, which rises to a height of 660 meters above sea level. The base of the statue is made of reinforced concrete, while the statue itself is made of concrete faced with Carrara marble.
The statue of Christ the Redeemer is an important landmark and tourist attraction in Maratea. It is visible from many points along the coast, and tourists come from all over the world to see it. The statue is also an important religious symbol for the local community, and it is often the site of religious processions and ceremonies. Overall, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is a testament to the faith, perseverance, and artistic skill of the people of Maratea.
Exploring the Design and Features of this Monument
The statue of Christ the Redeemer in Maratea is an impressive work of art that stands 22 meters tall and weighs approximately 180 tons. It is made of concrete faced with Carrara marble, with a steel frame providing additional support. The statue is located on the summit of Monte San Biagio and is visible from many points along the coast.
The design of the statue is similar to that of the more famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Like the Rio statue, the Maratea statue depicts a standing figure of Jesus Christ with his arms outstretched. However, the Maratea statue is slightly smaller than its Brazilian counterpart and faces inland towards the Basilica di San Biagio.
The statue’s face is serene and peaceful, with eyes that seem to gaze out over the landscape. The hair and beard are finely carved and add to the statue’s sense of majesty and power. The outstretched arms are a symbol of welcome and embrace, and they convey a sense of love and compassion.
One of the unique features of the statue is the way it is illuminated at night. The statue is lit from below, creating a stunning effect that makes it visible from many miles away. The lighting also highlights the details of the statue’s design and adds to its overall beauty.