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By Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
In the picturesque town of Świebodzin, western Poland, stands a record-breaking marvel: the tallest statue of Christ in the world. The Christ the King statue (Pomnik Chrystusa Króla) rises high as one of Europe’s most iconic landmarks, blending faith, engineering, and community effort. Completed in 2010, this monumental structure not only symbolizes Christian devotion but also surpasses Rio de Janeiro’s famed Christ the Redeemer in height, standing at an impressive 52.5 meters.
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A Colossus Among Monuments
Designed by sculptor Mirosław Patecki, the statue reflects modern engineering at its finest. Made from reinforced concrete, its base segments are up to 20 centimeters thick for durability. Atop the figure’s head sits a 3-meter (10-foot) golden crown, crafted from aluminum and gilded with gold leaf, shimmering as a symbol of Christ’s universal reign. The statue’s total height, including its base and a 16.5-meter artificial mound, makes it 14.5 meters taller than Rio’s iconic statue, making it the world’s largest depiction of Christ.
The figure itself stands 36 meters (118 feet) tall, with arms stretching 26 meters across and hands measuring six meters in length. Its grand proportions evoke both majesty and tranquility, making it a centerpiece of pride and spiritual inspiration.
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A Priest’s Vision Realized
The vision for this monumental statue originated with Father Sylwester Zawadzki, the parish priest of the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Świebodzin. In 2001, he proposed the project as a symbol of Poland’s enduring Catholic faith and cultural heritage. Despite financial hurdles, construction began in 2005, funded by approximately 6 million PLN through donations from local parishioners, businesses, and the Polish diaspora. The community’s collective dedication brought Father Zawadzki’s vision to life over five years of tireless effort.
A Growing Pilgrimage Destination
The Christ the King statue was officially consecrated on November 21, 2010, during a grand ceremony attended by thousands of worshippers. The day’s events included prayers, a field Mass led by Cardinal Henryk Gulbinowicz, and a blessing performed by Bishop Stefan Regmunt. Since then, the site has become a significant destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
In 2012, recognizing the growing number of visitors, the community initiated the construction of a Pilgrims’ House to offer accommodations and facilities for travelers. The project continues to thrive, fueled by ongoing donations and the devotion of volunteers, further embedding the statue into the spiritual and cultural fabric of Świebodzin.
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Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska graduated in American culture studies from Warsaw University and journalism. She is an international journalist, TV correspondent, author, chief editor of the international journalism center, Central and Eastern Europe Centre, president of the European Institute on Communist Oppression, and a sworn translator. She was born in Warsaw, Poland, and also has Armenian ancestry and roots in Lviv, Ukraine. She has been living in Heerlen, the Netherlands, since 2005.
