Poland's Giant Mary Statue to Draw Pilgrims
On August 15, a 55-meter statue of the Virgin Mary will be inaugurated in Konotopie, Poland, featuring a crown-shaped base, which will make it the largest Marian monument in Europe. Standing at 40.6 meters, it exceeds the height of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer. The project, funded by billionaire Roman Karkosik and designed by sculptor Adam Jakub Matejkowski, is titled "Pomnik Matki Boskiej" (Monument of the Mother of God) and will be consecrated during the Assumption holiday. The construction is projected to cost around 23 million euros. Reactions from locals vary; some view it as a tourist attraction, while others advocate for healthcare funding. Mayor Mieczyslaw Grebicki anticipates a boost in tourism for the village of 120 residents.
Key facts
- The statue is over 55 meters tall, with the figure itself at 40.6 meters and a 15-meter crown-shaped base.
- It will be inaugurated on August 15, the Catholic feast of the Assumption.
- The statue is named 'Pomnik Matki Boskiej' (Monument of the Mother of God).
- It is funded by Roman Karkosik, one of Poland's richest men.
- The sculptor is Adam Jakub Matejkowski.
- Karkosik wanted the statue to be larger than the Christ statue in Swiebodzin.
- The construction cost is estimated at 23 million euros.
- The village of Konotopie has only 120 residents and is located three hours west of Warsaw.
Entities
Artists
- Adam Jakub Matejkowski
Institutions
- Architektura Murator
- Forbes
Locations
- Konotopie
- Poland
- Warsaw
- Kikol
- Swiebodzin
- Rio de Janeiro
- Philippines
- Montemaria
- Germany
- Berlin