Monuments to the world’s religious figures are built big.

Cristo de la Concordia, Cochabamba, Bolivia

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Tallest statue of Christ in the world (when bases aren’t counted) at 34.2 meters.

Cristo Re – Dili, East Timor

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Reminds us how culturally distinct East Timor is from surrounding Indonesia.

Cristo Redentor, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Standing watch on Corcovado Mountain, likely has the best view of any statue.

Cristo del Otero, Palencia, Spain

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Tallest Christ statue in Europe, designed in post-cubist style.

Cristo Rei, Almada, Portugal

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Built in 1959 with a base almost three times taller than the statue itself.

Christ of the Abyss, off Key Largo, USA

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One of several underwater bronze Christ statues in the world.

Cristo Rey del Cubilete, Silao, Mexico

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Stands in the geographical center of the country.

Leshan Buddha, Leshan, China

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Though not a freestanding structure, still one of the largest statues anywhere in the world.

Virgen de la Paz, Trujillo, Venezuela

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Tallest statue in Latin America at over 46 meters.

Shiva, Rishikesh, India

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Sits right on the bank of the Ganges.

Lord Murugan, Gombak, Malaysia

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Guards the entrance to the enshrined Batu Caves outside of Kuala Lumpur.

Maitreya Buddha, Emei Lake, Taiwan

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A 72-meter statue constructed next to a Buddhist temple.

Virgin Mary, Haskovo, Bulgaria

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World’s largest depicting Mary holding Jesus.

Guan Yin, Penang, Malaysia

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Part of the Kek Lok Si Temple complex on Penang Island.