Colombia has inaugurated the largest Christ statue in Latin America, standing 11 meters tall and built using a 3D printer. The monument, called “Christ with Poncho,” is located in Medellín’s Comuna 13. It reflects Colombian identity, featuring a traditional poncho typical of the Antioquia region.
The project represents a groundbreaking technological and artistic achievement for the continent. It also aims to symbolize progress and boost tourism in one of the most iconic areas of the country’s second-largest city.
Colombia inaugurates the largest 3D Christ statue
Medellin, Colombia, has unveiled a new landmark this week: the Paisa Christ the Redeemer. The statue aims to become an iconic attraction for both national and international tourists.
Located in the popular Comuna 13, the statue is notable for its record size in Latin America and its use of innovative, sustainable technology in its construction.
The Cristo Redentor Paisa was crafted using 3D printing technology, which produced more than 1,700 individual pieces. These were meticulously assembled like a massive jigsaw puzzle and reinforced with fiberglass and resin. The result is a monumental structure that combines technical complexity with sustainability.
Medellin’s Reedemer Christ is environmentally friendly
Alejandro Osorio, a creative engineer at D3 House, explained that the main material used in the Paisa Christ the Redeemer was PLA (polylactic acid), a biodegradable material derived from corn. The team chose PLA as an eco-friendly alternative to icopor, underscoring the project’s commitment to sustainability.
The statue was produced in La Estrella, part of the Medellin metropolitan area, with a team of more than 40 engineers, artisans, and artists. The construction process, which took a month and a half, blended state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship.
This balance of innovation and tradition has made the Paisa Christ not only a striking visual landmark but also a symbol of how art can support sustainable development. Osorio also highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration in the industry to create partnerships and share knowledge, enabling the production of similar designs on a larger scale.
Christ with its own local identity
The Paisa Christ the Redeemer is a monument celebrating the identity of Colombia’s Paisa region. The sculpture features elements of Antioquian culture, including a carriel, a poncho, and a Colombian flag draped around its neck, symbolizing local traditions.
The idea for the monument came from entrepreneur Jamerson Restrepo, who was inspired by his love for Comuna 13 and a desire to honor his family and the region’s history. Located on the second flight of escalators—a popular tourist site—it is expected to further elevate Comuna 13 as a key destination for visitors exploring Medellin.
The Cristo Paisa is not only an artistic and technological milestone but also a driver of local economic growth. Medellin’s Secretary of Tourism estimates the statue could boost tourist visits to Comuna 13 by 10%, benefiting area merchants, restaurants, and tour guides.
Additionally, the monument is set to gain international recognition, with expectations it will be certified by Guinness World Records as the largest 3D-printed structure in Latin America, enhancing its global appeal.