White Christ of Cusco
Record: 8 m
Cristo Blanco
Perched high above the colonial centre of Cusco, Cristo Blanco is a large statue of Jesus Christ that can be seen across the city. Towering some 8 meters (26 feet) high the white structure was a gift from Arabic Palestinians who sought refuge in Cusco after World War II. The statue depicts Christ extending his arms outwards, very similar to Rio´s Christ the Redeemer, but in miniature format.
Cristo Blanco was designed by local artist Francisco Olazo Allende, who also designed the Santa Clara Archway, leading into Cusco´s San Francisco square. The various parts of the statue were fabricated on the street of Siete Angelitos in the San Blas district of the city before being erected on Pukamoqo hill, a vantage point high above
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According Inca legend Pukamoqo Hill was a spiritual location for the Incas. Local myth says that the hill holds soil samples from all the 4 quarters of the Inca Empire or what the Incas called Tawantinsuyo.
Located a 10 minute walk from the Inca archaeological site of
Theonlyperuguide.com, Cristo Blanco offers panoramic views across Cusco´s main square - Plaza de Armas, the entire historic centre of the city and as far as the residential district of San Sebastian.
At night time Cristo Blanco is artificially lit and glows brightly above the city. It is a constant reminder of the hospitality and friendliness that the Cusqueñan people extended the Arabic Palestinians.
A visit to Cusco wouldn’t be complete without a photo at Cristo Blanco. At the most, you`ll need 15 – 20 minutes to appreciate the statue and the spectacular views across the city. To get the most out of your visit, try to combine Cristo Blanco with a tour of Saqsayhuman.
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