The imposing statue of Christ the Redeemer of Maratea: curiosities and useful information

Cristo Redentore di Maratea - In the province of Potenza, precisely in the town of Maratea, there is an imposing statue inspired by the Christ the Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro. The statue of the Redeemer or Christ the Redeemer is placed on the top of Monte San Biagio and overlooks the whole seaside town. It was built by a Florentine sculptor, Bruno Innocenti, between 1963 and 1965 and is 21.13 meters high, ten less than the Brazilian one.

The sculpture is made with a mixture of cement mixed with Seravezza marble flakes, a typical Tuscan material and was commissioned in place of a commemorative cross which was often however knocked down by lightning. For political reasons, once the statue was finished it was not welcomed with events or inaugurations, but over the years it has become the symbol of Maratea, also because the author has managed to create something that is integrated in shapes and colors into the nature of the place. In addition to being a tourist attraction, it remains a religious symbol that also attracts faithful and pilgrims and which, being turned towards the city and not towards the sea, is precisely to protect the place. Every year the statue attracts many visitors and getting there is possible in different ways: - by car you can reach the mountain and stop in a parking lot a short distance away and then continue with a paid shuttle - several shuttles or buses leave from the port that take you directly there to the mountain - on foot it is possible to reach it but it depends on one's physical preparation, the season and much more. In any case, the statue is located in a small square with steps so motor vehicles never get extremely close to it.