Third Millennium Cross - Coquimbo, Chile - Christian Crosses on Waymarking.com

The highlight of Coquimbo is the Third Millennium Cross which watches over the town from its position on a high hill. At 83 meters high, it is the largest religious monument in South America. It is not only a sculptural feature, but also a three-story building surrounded 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.

Hours of Operation:
Daily from 9:30 to 18:00

Admission Prices:
$3 US

Sources: (visit link) and (visit link)

Type of cross: Latin cross Material used: Other... Characteristics of this cross: The concrete cross is 83 meters high and 40 meters wide. The horizontal arms of the Cross can be visited by taking the elevators or stairs inside the pillars. From the large windows of the arms of the Cross, you can enjoy an astonishing 360º panoramic view of Coquimbo, its bay and the Pacific Ocean. There are two rooms in the arms of the Cross: one of them contains the busts of the Chilean archbishops of the last century, while the other shows the busts of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Describe the location: 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. Year of manufacture: 05/05/2000 Is this cross commemorative ?: Yes

Visit Instructions:
Post at least one photograph of this cross.

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