Cristo de la Habana is a giant statue of Jesus Christ above the village of Casa Blanca, east of Old Town Havana. Fulgencio Batista and his wife Marta commissioned the work during the last years of his dictatorship before Fidel Castro took over the rule of the country. Admire this impressive work, one of the largest outdoor sculptures created by a female artist.
After competitive bidding, Cuban sculptor Jilma Madera was awarded the opportunity to create the statue, an important religious symbol in this largely Christian nation. She created the sculpture from white Carrara marble in Italy, where Pope Pius XII blessed its 67 pieces before they were shipped to Cuba. Read the Spanish inscription at the base of the statue to learn more about its history.
The sculpture was unveiled on Christmas of 1958, just 1 week before Batista fled Cuba to escape the Cuban Revolution. It is about 66 feet (20 meters) tall on a 10-foot (3-meter) base and weighs 320 tons (290 tonnes). Notice how this majestic image of Christ appears to offer a blessing with a slightly outstretched hand.
Gaze at Cristo de la Habana from the Old Town. The statue is particularly impressive in the evening when it is illuminated in white light. Cross the water to view the statue up close. Admire the artist’s work and try to see evidence of the lightning strikes the statue has survived. Turn away from the statue to appreciate sweeping views of Old Town Havana. Look for the dome of the National Capitol Building and the Baroque architecture of the Cathedral of Havana.
Cristo de la Habana stands on a hilltop 167 feet (51 meters) above sea level, overlooking the canal providing entrance to the vast Havana Port. Drive to the statue or take the ferry from Old Havana to the village of Casa Blanca and walk for about 10 minutes to the hilltop. While you are on the east side of Havana Port, visit the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro and the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña.
