The Christ the King of Belalcazar is a monumental sculpture located on Cerro del Oso, in Belalcázar, in the southwest of the department of Caldas, Colombia. This reinforced concrete statue stands 45.5 meters tall, including its pedestal, while the figure of Christ alone reaches approximately 37 meters the equivalent of a 12-story building.
Inside, visitors can climb a spiral staircase ranging from 154 to 167 steps depending on the source up to the head of the statue, where a viewing platform offers a 360-degree panoramic vista. In some points, it is even possible to look out through openings in the eyes and nose.
From this elevated spot, one can admire landscapes such as the Nevado del Ruiz, Santa Isabel, and El Cisne mountains, as well as the valleys and canyons of the Cauca and Risaralda rivers. The viewpoint also offers a sweeping view that spans several departments: Risaralda, Quindio, Choco, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, and even part of Antioquia.
The origin of Christ the King in Belalcazar, Caldas
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The construction of Christ the King was born in a turbulent time for Colombia. In 1948, the country was going through one of the most violent periods in its history, known as La Violencia an armed conflict between liberals and conservatives that left thousands dead and entire communities living in fear.
It was in this environment that priest Antonio Jose Valencia Murillo, parish priest of Belalcazar, promoted the idea of building a religious monument that would serve as a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and faith for the people of the region. The proposal quickly resonated with locals, who saw the project as an opportunity to unite around a common cause in the midst of adversity.
The land where the Christ now stands was donated by the Ángel Arango family, a traditional family from the town, known for their commitment to community life. Their contribution laid the foundation for the project to become a reality. From there, the monument was financed through raffles, fairs, and voluntary donations from townspeople, who contributed whatever they could: from money to labor and materials.
The design of the sculpture was created by sculptor Antonio Palomino Escobar, with the support of architect Libardo González, engineer Alfonso Hurtado Sarria, and foreman Francisco Hernández Jaramillo. After six years of collective effort, the monument was inaugurated on January 3, 1954.
Historical and spiritual significance
Beyond its architectural grandeur, Christ the King of Belalcazar carries a profound historical meaning. It represents the power of community to rise above violence through unity and faith. At the time, it was conceived as a sign of protection and as a call for peace in a region scarred by political conflict.
Over time, the monument became more than just a spiritual refuge for Catholic believers; it also evolved into a cultural and tourist icon. Its outstretched arms are interpreted by locals as a gesture of welcome, a reminder that faith and hope can prevail over adversity.
Today, Christ the King not only recalls the history of a town that rose amid violence but also embodies the identity of an entire coffee growing region that found pride in the monument. For the people of Belalcázar, this Christ is not merely a work of engineering, but a symbol of resilience and the capacity to unite in difficult times.
Tourism, cultural heritage, and community development
Over the years, Christ the King has undergone improvements to its infrastructure. In 2020, for example, the first phase of the Christ the King Boulevard was inaugurated, a project that enhanced the surrounding area with sidewalks, gardens, viewpoints, and new lighting to facilitate access and encourage tourism.
Its relevance goes beyond the religious: the monument is part of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, an internationally recognized heritage designation that has boosted its cultural value and turned it into a major tourist attraction in southwestern Caldas.
Christ the King of Belalcazar is visited year-round, but it receives the largest crowds during Holy Week, when thousands of faithful participate in the Stations of the Cross and liturgical celebrations. In November, during the feast of Christ the King of the Universe, the esplanade becomes the center of pilgrimages, masses, and processions.