Statues and monuments are built all over the World for many different reasons. Some pay homage to gods, some attempt to immortalize men, and some commemorate important events. Though statues and monuments can be found all over the World, there are a few that certainly stand out from the rest.
We have compiled 12 of the largest statues and monuments around the World that are definitely worth the visit.
01 Spring Temple Buddha, China (153 meters)
The Spring Temple Buddha stands at 502 feet, making it the tallest statue in the World. The Buddha placed on top of a Buddhist monastery consists of 1,100 pieces of copper cast and weighs a total of 1,000 tonnes.
02 Luykyun Setkyar, Myanmar (116 meters)
This 381 foot statue of the Gautama Buddha built by Bodhi Tahtuang Sayadaw, a venerable monk, stands on a throne in the village of Khatakan Taung. The structure took 11 years to finish and it now serves as one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar. The statue was built with stairs inside for visitors to climb up and see a panoramic view of the village.
03 Ushiku Daibutsu, Japan (120 meters)
The statue was built in 1993 to commemorate the birth of Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu or “True Pure Land School” in Japanese Buddhism. It weighs 4000 tonnes, stands at about 394 feet, and is made with bronze. Visitors can take an elevator up 279 feet to an observation floor.
04 Cristo-Rei, Portugal (110 meters)
Inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio, Brazil, the statue stands at around 361 feet above the southern banks of the Tejo Estuary. The statue was built in 1959 to thank God for sparing the country from World War II.
05 GuanYin of nanshan, China (108 meters)
The 354 foot statue of the goddess Guayin was officially opened in 2005. The height of this statue was not determined by accident—the number 108 is considered to be sacred in Buddhist culture. The goddess is considered as the patron of children. Local people pray to the statue for their health and wellbeing.
06 Emperors Yan and Huang, China (106 meters)
The sculptures of two of the earliest Chinese emperors, Yan Di and Huang Di, took 20 years to complete, and commemorate politics and the economy. The 348 foot sculpture was reported to cost $22.5 million.
07 Sendai Daikannon, Japan (100 meters)
The Sendai Daikannon or “The Guardian of the Hill” stands 330 feet tall on a hill, overlooking the city. The statue holds a jewel in its right hand and it is believed that this jewel can grant wishes. In the other hand, a water flask pours out “the water of wisdom”. Visitors can take the stairs or elevator to see a fantastic view of the mountains and the city.
08 Peter the Great statue, Russia (98 meters)
The 322 foot monument of Peter the Great was designed by Zurab Tsereteli to commemorate 300 years of the Russian Navy established by Peter the Great. It weighs around 1,000 tonnes and is made with steel, bronze, and copper.
09 Montemaria, Philippines (96 meters)
The 315 foot stainless steel monument dedicated to Mary, Mother of all Asia, overlooks the Verde Passage at the entrance of Batangas Bay. The monument is strategically placed on top of a chapel with a meditation garden.
10 Great Buddha of Thailand, Thailand (92 meters)
The tallest statue in Thailand can be found in the Wat Muang Monastry in Ang Thong province. The Great Buddha is made of cement and painted with gold. The construction begun in 1990 and was completed in 2008. It is believed that the Buddha watches over the valley of Ang Thong.
11 Grand Buddha at Lingshan, China (88 meters)
Located at the south of Longshan Mountain, at the northern bank of Taihu Lake, the bronze statue stands at 289 ft. The Buddha is believed to be smiling over all living things and protecting all people.
12 The Mother Calls, Russia (87 meters)
The Mother Calls stands at 285 feet, which makes it the tallest statue in the whole of Europe and Russia and also the tallest statue of a woman in the World. The statue weighs over 8,000 tonnes and is supported by 99 metal cables constantly in tension. There is a 200-step staircase at the base of the statue to commemorate the 200-day battle of Stalingrad.
