Colossal Mary Statue Towers Over Others, Features Restaurant Inside

Dominating the southern outskirts of Batangas City on the island of Luzon, Philippines, stands the Mother of All Asia, Tower of Peace, a colossal statue of the Virgin Mary that claims the title of the world's tallest of its kind. Standing at over 98 meters, equivalent to 33 stories, the statue surpasses other notable religious monuments, including the Mother of God statue in Konotop, Europe's tallest at approximately 55 meters.

This impressive monument is more than just a statue; it's a fully functional building. Visitors can enter its interior, which features two chapels for mass, conference facilities, and a restaurant. A shop selling religious items and souvenirs is also available within the structure.

The vision for the Mother of All Asia statue originated from Herminigildo (Dodo) Mandanas, owner of AbaCore Capital Holdings. He purchased the land for the Montemaria International Pilgrimage and Conference Centre in 1991, envisioning it as a global pilgrimage destination symbolizing unity and peace. Construction of the Tower of Peace commenced in 2014 and took seven years to complete, with its grand opening on December 7, 2021, coinciding with the 500th anniversary of the Christianization of the Philippines.

Renowned late Filipino sculptor Ed Castrillo was responsible for the intricate details of the Virgin Mary's face and hands. The statue's crown is adorned with 12 stars, representing the 12 apostles, and its 12 foundations symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel. For those seeking a panoramic view from the crown, a climb of 420 steps is an option, though not the only way to reach the summit.