Virgen del Socavón, Monumental religious statue in Oruro, Bolivia

Virgen del Socavón is a 45.4-metre statue on Cerro Santa Bárbara, west of Oruro, at 3,845 metres above sea level. The crowned Virgin stands on a crescent moon, holds a torch in her right hand and carries a crowned child on her left arm. Her gown is studded with 140 star-shaped windows, and the 8.6-metre base holds a chapel for 80 people.

The statue began construction in 2009 and was completed in 2013, with substantial resources invested in its creation. The building project marked an important moment for the city as a religious and cultural symbol.

The statue depicts the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of miners, and holds a central place during Oruro's annual carnival celebrations. Visitors come to experience the connection between local tradition and faith.

The monument stands on Cerro Santa Bárbara at 3,845 metres above sea level, west of Oruro. Its interior has nine levels, four open to the public: a chapel for prayer, a panoramic viewpoint over the city, a museum of regional archaeological finds, and a craft and tourism exhibition space. The upper floors are closed for structural maintenance.

The Virgin's mantle carries 140 star-shaped windows, lit at night and visible from the city below. The statue's interior holds nine levels, four open to visitors: a chapel, a panoramic viewpoint, a museum of regional archaeology and a craft exhibition space. The crown alone weighs 500 kg and stands 4.8 m tall.