LARGEST - Religious Monument in South America - Coquimbo, Chile
Posted by: denben
S 29° 57.114 W 071° 20.830
19J E 273479 N 6684227
The Cross of the Third Millennium stands on Mount El Vigía in Coquimbo, Chile. It can be seen from everywhere in Coquimbo and even from the coasts of neighboring towns.
Waymark Code: WM11HJ3
Location: Chile
Date Posted: 10/27/2019
Views: 2
The stand out feature of Coquimbo is the Third Millennium Cross which stands watch over the city from its position on a tall hill. At 83 meters tall it is South America’s largest religious monument and is not only a sculptural element but also a three-story building surrounded by and filled with religious art.
Outside you’ll find bronze casts of The Stations of the Cross. The first floor features a chapel and museum which shows photographs of the cross’s construction which was completed in 2000. On the second floor, you’ll find a square that showcases a replica Michelangelo statue depicting the mother Mary with her recently crucified son across her lap.
From the windows of the cross’s arms, you have a spectacular view of Coquimbo’s bay and over the town, and it’s one of the best spots along the coast to see the sunset. In the arms, you’ll also find bronze busts of Chilean Archbishops, and Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. There is a small cost for entry to ride the elevator to the various floors.
The cross was inaugurated on May 5, 2000, by the then President of the Republic Mr. Ricardo Lagos Escobar. It commemorates the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000.
A staircase of 2,000 steps gives access to the base and to the first floor.
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