Christ the King statue, Religious monument in Lens, Switzerland
Christ the King is a copper and metal statue rising 30 meters high on Châtelard hill, overlooking the Rhône Valley in central Valais at approximately 1,272 meters elevation. A chapel sits beneath the main figure, which serves as the foundation and spiritual center of the monument.
The monument was erected in 1935 to commemorate 1,900 years since the death of Christ, with local saints and district emblems incorporated into the chapel design. This project combined regional identity with Catholic devotion during a significant period for the Alpine communities.
The chapel below the main figure displays shields representing all districts of Valais, creating a regional gathering place with spiritual meaning. Pilgrims and visitors find the decorated interior reflects the local territory and its connection to the Catholic faith.
Two routes lead to the statue from the parking area: a steeper direct path or a gentler southern trail that passes by a Notre Dame shrine. The choice depends on your comfort level, as each route offers a different pace and experience reaching the same viewpoint.
The statue features different colored stones adorning Christ's head, making it the only permanent Christ statue of its kind in Switzerland. This distinctive material choice gives the monument a special visual character that sets it apart from other religious monuments.
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