Armenia is preparing to install what is set to become the world’s tallest statue of Jesus Christ, as the monument’s main sections are reportedly “almost ready” for assembly atop Mount Hatis, an extinct volcano near the capital.
The colossal project, spearheaded and fully funded by wealthy businessman and former political leader Gagik Tsarukyan, aims to create a new global landmark for the nation.
The Christ figure, designed by sculptor Armen Samvelyan, stands 33 meters (108 feet) tall, which is taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro (30 meters). Critically, it will be placed on a massive 44-meter pedestal, bringing the total height of the entire monument to a staggering 77 meters.
The aluminum statue, designed to mimic white stone, is currently completed in segments and awaiting transport to the summit of Mount Hatis, which stands at an elevation of over 2,500 meters. Tsarukyan has stated that installation work has begun and will “soon proceed at full scale.”
While proponents, including Tsarukyan, believe the statue will become a powerful “symbol of national revival” and attract “tens of millions of tourists,” the project has been mired in controversy since its 2022 groundbreaking.
- Church Opposition: The Armenian Apostolic Church has publicly objected, arguing that the statue is inappropriate and contradicts the centuries-old iconographic and worship traditions of the Armenian Church, which favors simplicity and monumental crosses (khatchkars).
- Archaeological Concerns: Construction was temporarily halted by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports due to concerns that the site, Mount Hatis, is home to a Bronze Age fortress and other protected ancient monuments. Tsarukyan has since pledged to amend the plans to preserve and refurbish these sites.
Despite the remaining need for formal government approval and the lingering opposition, the creator and sculptor are confident. The sculptor, Armen Samvelyan, confirmed last month that the construction is “90% complete” and expressed confidence that the statue will become Armenia’s new global calling card. The complete complex is planned to include a museum, recreational zones, and a cable car for visitor access.
