Armenia is building the world’s tallest image of Jesus on Mount Hatis; the monument stands 33 meters tall in honor of Jesus’ age. Credit: Vahe Martirosyan, CC BY 2.0 / Flickr
Armenia is moving forward with the construction of what is set to become the tallest statue of Jesus in the world, a monumental project that has already drawn international attention for its size, its religious symbolism, and the debate it has sparked across different sectors of society. The project is taking shape on Mount Hatis, a dormant volcano located about 30 kilometers northeast of Yerevan, the country’s capital, and aims to establish itself as a new spiritual and tourist icon of the Caucasian nation.
With a projected total height of 77 meters—33 meters for the figure of Jesus and 44 meters for its pedestal—the sculpture will surpass well-known Christian monuments such as Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, which stands 38 meters tall, and the Cristo de la Concordia in Cochabamba, Bolivia, at 40.44 meters. According to the preliminary schedule, the work is expected to be completed this year.
Armenia targets international religious tourism with the world’s tallest statue of Jesus
The initiative is being promoted by Armenian businessman and politician Gagik Tsarukyan, who has defended the construction as a way to strengthen the country’s religious identity and position Armenia as a key destination for spiritual tourism. This is no small ambition: Armenia was the first nation to officially adopt Christianity as its state religion, in 301 A.D., a fact that remains a central pillar of its culture and international profile.
From a tourism standpoint, the statue is expected to become a pilgrimage site and a major attraction for foreign visitors, following the model of the great religious shrines of Latin America and Europe. Local authorities and project backers believe the initiative could boost the regional economy, create jobs, and expand the country’s cultural offerings.
The choice of Mount Hatis is no coincidence. In addition to its proximity to Yerevan, the site offers sweeping panoramic views that will allow the figure to be seen from several kilometers away, enhancing its visual and symbolic impact.
Environmental criticism
However, the project has not been without controversy. While religious and nationalist groups celebrate it as a sign of faith and Armenian pride, others question the wisdom of investing substantial resources in a monumental work at a time of economic and social challenges.
One of the most sensitive aspects of the debate is its environmental impact. Mount Hatis, beyond being a dormant volcano, is a natural area of ecological value. Environmental organizations and some academics have warned about the risks the construction could pose to the local ecosystem, from altering the landscape to potentially affecting local flora and fauna.
There are also critical voices calling for priority to be given to basic infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects rather than to high-cost initiatives with primarily symbolic goals. Even so, the project’s promoters insist that the statue will not only have religious significance, but will also serve as a long-term economic and cultural driver for the country.