Christ of Havana, Marble monument in Casablanca district, Havana, Cuba
Christ of Havana is a white marble statue in the Casablanca district that rises to 23 meters in height and weighs 320 tons. The figure shows an upright posture with one hand near the chin and the other in front of the chest.
Cuban sculptor Jilma Madera designed the sculpture in 1958 using 67 marble blocks that came from Italy and received a blessing from Pope Pius XII. The inauguration took place a few months before the political upheaval on the island.
The figure carved from Carrara marble carries subtle references to local facial features that visitors can notice directly today. Many locals come here on weekends to find a quiet spot with open views over the water.
The site sits 51 meters above sea level on a hill in Regla municipality and offers open views over Havana Bay. Visitors reach the spot via a steep road that leads to a small open forecourt.
Between 1961 and 1986 lightning struck the figure three times before protective measures were installed. The eyes were deliberately left empty so the marble reflects sunlight differently than the rest of the facial features.
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