World's largest Jesus Christ statue construction begins in Colombia

Colombia is forging ahead with an ambitious tourism and religious project: the construction of a monumental Jesus Christ statue in El Peñol, Antioquia. Promoters claim it will be the world's largest, exceeding the height of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer.

The site, nestled in a region already famous for the Piedra del Peñol and the Guatapé Reservoir, is being developed into a comprehensive tourist destination. Beyond the religious monument, the Montecielo complex will feature hotel, gastronomic, cultural, and commercial infrastructure. This aims to attract not only religious visitors but also general tourists drawn to the natural beauty and luxury offerings.

A unique feature of the statue will be an elevator providing access to an elevated viewing area. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the reservoir, mountains, and the surrounding landscapes of eastern Antioquia. The structure itself will stand atop a mountain on land owned by the same family for four generations.

Developers highlighted the project's economic potential, stating that the commercial mall alone will house 78 retail spaces. They anticipate Montecielo will draw a new segment of "wellness tourism" and "religious tourism." The goal is for visitors to spend a full day at the complex, thereby increasing hotel occupancy in the region, which boasts over 4,500 rooms, to above 80%.