High above Cali stands Cristo Rey. Have you ever wondered about its story? This iconic statue is more than just a monument. It represents peace and resilience.
Cristo Rey is located on the Cerro de los Cristales. This translates to Hill of the Crystals. The hill gets its name from the large amount of quartz found there.
The statue’s construction began in 1950. It was inaugurated on October 25 1953. This marked fifty years since the end of the War of a Thousand Days. This brutal civil war had a lasting impact on Colombia. Cristo Rey was built as a symbol of hope and reconciliation.
Alideo Tazzioli Fontanini designed Cristo Rey. The statue is made of iron and concrete. It weighs 464 tons. Cristo Rey stands 26 meters tall. The pedestal accounts for 5 meters of its total height.
Initially, the Jesuit priest José María Arteaga commissioned the statue. He enlisted the artist Gerardo Navia Carvajal. Carvajal only created a model before leaving the project.
As you ascend the hill, notice the artwork of Carlos Andrés Gómez. For two years, he sculpted biblical scenes on 34 ravines. This work is known as the biblical scenes of Golgotha.
The first canyon depicts Existence. It is a tribute to life and humanity. The second shows the Lament of the Pacha Mama. This protests the damage humans have inflicted on nature. The third canyon brings Golgotha to life. It accompanies the faithful during Easter pilgrimages. The fourth ravine is The Garden of Eden. These figures are made of cement and clay. They range from 50 centimeters to 5 meters in height. They stretch over five kilometers.
Visiting Cristo Rey is free. It is open from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm. You can find a chapel, restaurant, and parking. Cristo Rey attracts many visitors. Annually, about 290650 local and foreign tourists visit the monument. It is considered one of the wonders of modern Colombia.
Cristo Rey is more than just a statue with beautiful views. It is a testament to Cali’s history. It embodies the spirit of its people. It is a symbol of peace and artistry. As you stand here, consider the history and artistry. Cristo Rey is an enduring landmark for Cali and Colombia.