Statue of Father Cícero, Religious monument in Juazeiro do Norte, Brazil
The Statue of Father Cícero is a concrete monument standing atop Horto Hill, rising about 27 meters high and offering views across Juazeiro do Norte and the surrounding landscape. The structure serves as the focal point of a major pilgrimage site, with pathways and gathering spaces built around its base.
The monument was created in 1969 by sculptor Armando Lacerda on the exact location where a Timbauba tree once stood, a place where Father Cícero had meditated. This choice of site connects the sculpture to the spiritual life of the person it honors.
Father Cícero holds deep meaning for northeastern Brazilians as a spiritual figure woven into their religious practice and local pride. Visitors see people praying and leaving flowers here daily, showing how this devotion remains alive in everyday life.
The site is easy to access, with well-maintained paths leading up to the top and resting areas placed along the way for visitors. It is best to visit in early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the views more comfortably.
Local vendors at the monument's base sell religious artifacts and traditional handcrafted items in a practice that has continued since the site's opening. These sellers have become an integral part of the pilgrimage experience that unfolds here.
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