The Christ of Havana

Look across the bay — can you see our next landmark? It’s big, striking, and looks almost human…Have you spotted it yet? That’s the Christ of Havana, standing tall on the hill of Casablanca, once a fishing village. At 20 meters high, this impressive statue watches over the bay of the old city. A symbol of eternal blessing, it was born from a religious vow made by the wife of President Fulgencio Batista. After he survived an assassination attempt in 1957, she promised to commission a statue in his honour — and true to her word, she did. Carved from Italian marble, the Christ of Havana was unveiled in 1958, and its feautures reflect the island’s racial diversity. While it may remind you of the famous statues in Rio de Janeiro or Lisbon, this one stands out. Instead of outstretched arms, one hand is raised, while the other rests over the heart, as if blessing the city. Declared a national monument in 2017, and blessed by Pope Pius XII, this masterpiece stands as one of the country’s most powerful symbols.