Humans have an obsession with statues. We build them to give vent to our artistic expression, commemorate an event, and benchmark cultural heritage. Statues even have religious significance.
Humans have another obsession, grandeur. Across the ages, we have built grander and more sophisticated statues than the previous generation. But have you ever wondered which is the tallest of them all? Let’s find out. But before that, let’s get a hang of all things statues. While statues will be statues, knowing about their shape, elements, and more will help you fully appreciate them.
What is a Statue?
A statue is a free-standing object of art that depicts a personality, divine figure, object, animal, or anything else, usually from head to toe. Specifications may vary, but it is made of hard materials like metals, wood, and stones. The term ‘statue’ has its origins in Latin (Statua), which means “the idea of image or status.” Based on the size, we can categorize them as Figurines and Colossal Statues.
1. Figurines
A figurine is a smaller sculpture, usually up to two feet in height. Given its portability, you can easily carry it around. A figurine can be a full-length representation of a personality or an object. Often referred to as Statuette, a figurine is an umbrella term for a variety of petite sculptures.
If a figurine’s limbs or other body parts are movable, it is a doll or a mannequin. And, figurines with automatic movements of limbs are robots. Likewise, a porcelain figurine with some history to it is a terracotta. Figurines are also a part of the board and tabletop games, and their names vary accordingly.
2. Colossal Statue
It’s a self-explanatory term, meaning a huge, free-standing sculpture. As these statues are larger than life-sized and mostly carved, they stay stationary (in situ). Simply put, they are too big to be moved around. No wonder, some of the tallest statues in the world belong to this category.
The colossal statue material varies drastically from location to location. In India, they were historically carved out of sandstone and ashes of a volcanic eruption. On the contrary, ancient Egyptians carved them out of basalt. Only a handful like Mount Rushmore comes from granite.
The History of Statues
Since time immemorial, humans have been building statues for social, political, economic, and religious purposes, or simply for self-expression. For categorization’s sake, we can divide the evolution of statues into several sequential periods, from prehistory to the modern age.
- Prehistory
The archeological digs have unearthed some basic statues belonging to prehistoric times. Carved out of mammoth bones, ivory, wood, and stones, these figurines depict humans, animals, deities, and more. The most ancient excavated figurine is the “Venus of Berekhat Ram,” which dates back to 230,000 years. But there’s a disagreement on whether its shape is a work of man or erosion. Likewise, the most ancient life-sized statue is the Urfa Man, which is about 11,000 years old.
- Recorded History
With the development of organized religions, we see the emergence of
Most commonly, prehistoric sculptors used mammoth bone, ivory in carvings, and perishable wood. Artists sometimes carved in softer varieties of stone like limestone and sandstone. Harder varieties included quartzite and serpentine. Clay and terracotta were widely used in figures of the Stone Age.
10 Tallest Statues in the World
Now that technicalities are out of the way, it’s time to elaborate on the tallest statues in the world.
1. Statue of Unity
- Height: 182 meters (600 feet)
- Depiction: Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel
- Architect: “Padma Shree” Ram Vanji Sutar
- Timeline for construction: October 13th, 2013 to October 31st, 2018
- Materials: Bronze, Stainless Steel, & Concrete
With a staggering height of 182 meters, the Statue of Unity is hands down the tallest of them all. Imagine a 50-story building – it’s that tall. It exceeds the next two tallest statues (China’s Spring Temple Buddha and Myanmar’s Laykyun Sekkya Buddha) by well over 23 meters and 68 meters, respectively. Guess what? The Statue of Liberty is not even half as tall as the Statue of Unity.
Fun fact: The Gujarat state government deliberately restricted the height to 182 meters with each meter representing each assembly seat in the state. Also, it’s dedicated to Sardar Patel, the man responsible for uniting India, and hence, the name. Now, how’s that for symbolism?
Statue of Unity: Zoning
The statue premises are divided into five distinct zone, two of which are off-limits for the public.
- The 1st zone encompasses the statue’s base, housing a memorial garden and a museum.
- The next zone extends up to 149 meters to the structure’s hips.
- The 3rd zone hosts an observation deck, a vantage point for some panoramic views.
- Zones 4 and 5 are at the higher reaches of the statue and are reserved for maintenance only.
Statue of Unity: Depiction
Located in Vadodara, across the Sardar Sarovar Dam, it celebrates the life and accomplishments of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, an Indian statesman, visionary, freedom fighter, and leader of the masses.
Sardar deserves a statue of this magnificence. Call him the architect of united India, if you may. In a display of sheer political will and statesmanship, he brought 562 princely states under the Indian union without any bloodshed. Given the magnitude and complications, it was unthinkable to start with. Had it not been for “Iron Man,” India wouldn’t have existed in its current form.
Statue of Unity: Architectural Style & Construction
The Statue of Unity authentic depicts Sardar Patel in a striding pose while donning dhoti-kurta, waistcoat and shawl. It captures the subject’s characteristic iron will, no non-sense attitude, and an imposing persona with remarkable accuracy. The edifice has a couple of partially-connected concrete cylindrical cores encompassing a steel frame for stability. The structure has 3 layers to it.
- The innermost one features twin RCC towers as high as 127 meters.
- The middle layer has a steel covering while the outer one is an 8-millimeter bronze cladding.
Thanks to the sturdy construction, the statue can endure wind speeds of 60 m/s and earthquakes with an intensity of 6.5 on the Richter scale.
Statue of Unity: Timeline
Initially announced the project in 2010, but Larsen & Toubro could begin work only in October 2013. It took five years, over 3000 workers, and INR 2700 crores to complete. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the statue on October 31, 2018. The inauguration date coincided with Sardar’s 143rd birth anniversary. The statue opened its gates for the public on 1 November 2018.
Statue of Unity: Contributors
The Gujarat Government put in place the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET) to plan, execute and oversee the construction. The government roped in “Padma Shree” Ram Vanji Sutar, an acclaimed sculptor, to take care of the design work. Larsen & Toubro erected the statue, while its bronze glazing was done by Jiangxi Toqine Company (JTQ).
Statue of Unity: Costs
The statue accounted for 75000 cubic meters of concrete, 5700 metric tons of steel, 18500 tons of reinforced steel rods, and 22500 tons of bronze panels, alongside 300 engineers and 3,400 workers. That translated into a total budget of INR 27 billion (422 million USD and 311 million Euros). While the statute was a public-private venture, the Gujarat government bore most expenses.
Statue of Unity: Attractions
The Statue of Unity isn’t just the tallest statue but a full-fledged tourist destination with something for everyone. If the Statue of Unity is on your bucket list, here’s what to do for a fun-filled day.
1. Bharat Van
Bharat Van (or Valley of Flowers) is a must-visit even if you aren’t a naturalist. The 24-acre reserve features 22 lakh plant and 300 flower varieties arranged in several small parks that run parallel to River Narmada. From ornamental flowers and evergreens to herbs, and creepers, you will find it all and more here. Want to capture the eloquence? Breathe easy, as photo booths and selfie points have you covered. Just 2.5 km away from the Statue of Unity, it’s easy to reach even on foot.
- Distance from the Statue of Unity: 2.5 km via Statue of Unity Road (around 5 minutes drive)
2. Sardar Sarovar Dam
Although visible from the observation deck, it is worth admiring the magnificence of the Sardar Sarovar Dam from close quarters. Standing tall at 163 m, it is India’s third highest concrete dam just next to Bhakra (226 m) and Lakhwar (192 m), and the world’s second largest after Grand Coulee Dam when it comes to the volume of concrete used. You have two vantage points – the observation point in front of dam and the hillock just behind the observation point. When done admiring the dam, feel free to indulge in short hikes, birding, sighting crocodiles, and other outdoor activities at the dam.
- Distance from Statue of Unity: 6.7 km via Statue of Unity Road (roughly 15 minutes drive)
3. Panchmuli Lake
Just take a stroll to the nearby Panchmuli Lake (Dyke 3) to enjoy boating and some mesmerizing views of the surroundings. In a 45-minute boating-trip, you will be venturing into the Dyke 4 waters engulfed by lush grooves. Flora and fauna here is as diverse as it gets, which is a big plus for nature lovers. However, ensure reaching the lake early, as just 8 boat trips are available per day.
- Distance from Statue of Unity: 4.3 km via Statue of Unity Road (about 10 minutes drive)
4. Cactus Garden
The botanical garden is a sprawling combination of indoor and open spaces featuring a staggering 6 lakh Cacti and succulents belonging to 450 different species. A collection so vast is worth your time if you are keen on experiencing the desert ecology amidst an aquatic ambiance. The Cactus Garden is housed within the statue site itself. And, that’s one more reason to visit the botanical garden.
- Distance from the Statue of Unity: Zero km (located within the statue site)
5. Laser Light & Sound Show
Want to see the Statue of Unity in a different light altogether? In that case, the laser light & sound show is for you. At 7:30 every evening (save for Mondays), the mighty statue is illuminated by lasers to present a captivating sight. The effect is accentuated by a voice-over that details the life, times, and accomplishments of Sardar Patel. It’s not just a laser show but also a journey into the past.
- Timing: 7:30 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
6. Zoological Park
Just venture into the nearby Kevadia town to see a zoo housing a vast variety of local and exotic animals and birds. It’s not just the wildlife but also the ideal settings of the zoo that will keep you in awe. The zoo has a secluded location, at the base of a picturesque hillock overlooking both the tallest statue in the world & the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The lush surroundings are just a bonus.
- Distance from the Statue of Unity: 3.6 km via Statue of Unity Road (about 6 minutes drive)
7. Dino Trail
Archeological digs suggest that this region was home to a dinosaurs specie, Rajasaurus Narmadensis in the Cretaceous era (roughly between 145 and 66 million years). The Dino Trail Park recreates the specie with a 75 feet-long & 25 feet high replica. Even though the size is exaggerated, the replica takes you back to times when dinosaurs ruled the planet. A trip to the park is a learning experience for school-going kids and grownups alike. You can’t afford to miss it.
- Distance from the Statue of Unity: 4.2 km via Statue of Unity Road (about 7 minutes drive)
8. Children Nutrition Park
The Children’s Nutrition Park should be on your bucket list if your kids are fussy eaters. The one-of-a-kind park makes the most of leading-edge technology to educate kids on healthy eating habits in line with the “SAHI POSHAN DESH ROSHAN” theme. Various other avenues of high-quality entertainment are also readily available to keep your little ones engaged for hours.
- Distance from the Statue of Unity: 5.2 km via Statue of Unity Road (abut 8 minute’s drive)
9. Vishwa Van
Vishwa Van translates to Global Forest in English. True to its name, the forest stands for ‘Unity in Bio-Diversity’ with vegetation found in all 7 continents. The arrangement of the vegetation is such that it looks like you are visiting a real forest in a specific part of the world. The serene ambiance of the global forest offers much-needed respite from the cacophony of city life.
- Distance from the Statue of Unity: 2.9 km via Statue of Unity Road (abut 5 minute’s drive)
10. Shopping Options
How can you leave the statue site without shopping for some keepsake? Just walk into the SOU Souvenir shop on the statue’s premises for apparel, key chains, and mini-replicas of the Statue of Unity. Looking for handlooms, handicrafts, and traditional textiles from across different states of India? The sprawling 3252-square-meter Ekta (Unity) Mall has you fully covered.
Controversies:
The tallest statue in the world has had its share of political, social, and ecological controversies. Over 185 families were displaced and hundreds of acres of arable land were cleared to make way for the statue. Though compensated, the displaced families took to the streets. Even the tower itself isn’t environmentally friendly, involving massive amounts of concrete, steel, and bronze. Also, the budget of USD 415 million, much of which came from government coffers, is nothing but a splurge.
How to Reach the Statue of Unity?
To get to the Statue of Unity, you first require reaching Vadodara, via flight or rail. From there, take State Highway 11 and 63 southeasts for 97 kilometers to get to Kevadia, the nearest city to the statue. Another 3.5 kilometers will take you to the mainland from where the Sadhu Bet island (the statue site) is accessible by a bridge or a ferry. Since public transport and cabs are readily available from Vadodara airport and railway station, accessibility is easy and quick. So, breathe easy.
- Address: Sardar Sarovar Dam, Kevadiya Village, Narmada District, Gujarat
- Nearest Airport: The Vadodara Airport, Vadodara (97 kilometers)
- Nearest Railway Station: The Vadodara Railway Station, Vadodara (97 kilometers)
- Nearest Bus Station: Kevadia Bus Stop, Kevadiya Village, Narmada District
- Coordinates: 21° 50′ 16.8′′ N 73° 43′ 08.7′′ E
Statue of Unity: Ticket Booking & Pricing
| Visitor Type | Entry | Observation Deck View |
| Adults | INR 120 | INR 350 |
| Minors (3 to 15 years old) | INR 60 | INR 200 |
Note that, entry into the premises and observation deck for children below 3 years is free. The INR 120 entry ticket gives you access to the premises, which includes the Valley of Flowers, AV gallery, memorial, museum, statue site, and dam. But if you wish to gain access to the observation deck as well, buy the INR 350 ticket. Also, INR 30 extra is applicable as bus fare.
- Feel free to visit www.soutickets.in to book your Statue of Unity tickets online.
Best Time to Visit the Statue of Unity:
The Statue of Unity is a year-round attraction but is best visited from October to February. At this time of the year, the temperature is bearable with no traces of rain. So, the weather won’t be an issue. It is open six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday. Mondays are reserved for maintenance work.
Hours:
- Opening Hours: 9 am
- Closing Hours: 5 pm
- Monday Closed
2. Spring Temple Buddha
- Height: 128 m (420 feet)
- Depiction: Vairocana Buddha
- Construction Timeline: 1997 to September 1, 2008
- Materials: Copper, Gold, and Steel
- Total Cost: 55 million USD
Our journey across the tallest statues in the world takes us to China, the site of the Spring Temple Buddha. An impressive height of 128 meters (420 feet) made it the tallest statue on the planet until the Statue of Unity was erected. The name comes from the Tianrui Hot Spring located in the vicinity of the statue. The springs keep a steady stream of visitors for their therapeutic properties.
Fun fact: For many, it was erected in response to the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas by the Taliban in March 2001. These were two 6th-century colossal statues in Hazarajat, Afghanistan.
Depiction:
Nestled in Zhaocun, the statue depicts the Vairocana Buddha, which is the primordial state of Buddha. Suppose Mahavairocana (a revered Buddhist scripture) is something to go by. In that case, Vairocana is the origin of all forms of Buddha and considered to be the source of enlightenment, unaffected by karma. The Mahayana Buddhists in East Asia and beyond worship Buddha in Vairocana form.
Architecture & Construction:
The statue has an astounding surface area of over 11,000 square feet. It sits pretty on a lotus base, which features two seats (splendid diamond and Sumeru), and even a monastery. The base adds 20 meters to the Spring Temple Buddha’s height. The diamond seat rests on 6666 Buddha figurines, adding to the statue’s overall appeal. Add to it the intricate copper layer and lavish gold plating, it comes across as an architectural marvel, not just one of the tallest statues in the world.
Construction Timeline:
The construction began in 1997 and took 11 years to complete. It involved $55 million in investment and a variety of materials, including gold (100 kg), copper alloy (3300 tons), and steel (1,500 tons).
How to Reach Spring Temple Buddha?
The Spring Temple Buddha stands tall atop a hill in Shangtang hamlet in Zhaocun Township of Pingdingshan City, in Henan Province, China. It’s accessible through National Freeway no. 311 via cabs and public transport from Pingdingshan City. Taking one hour each side, a bus ride is the cheapest option that will also treat you to some exotic views of the countryside. You can opt for a train as well from Henan. However, flights aren’t available, since there is no airport nearby.
Attractions:
You can include the following attractions in your bucket list for a more incisive experience of the Spring Temple Buddha.
1. Mount Yao:
Erstwhile Mt. Shiren, this mountain host the world’s second-tallest statue. Health permitting, you can hike to the summit for some adventure while mesmerizing views will come by default. Locals believe Mt. Yao to be the abode of the spirit of Mozi, a revered Chinese sage and scholar.
2. Leshan Giant Buddha:
Another towering Buddha carving awaits you at the confluence of three rivers nearby. Carved in a vertical rock face, the statue measures 72 meters in height, depicting Buddha in the Maitreya (futuristic) form. The Chinese scholar, Hai Tong initiated the construction but gave up after a while in lack of funds. The site is a UNESCO world heritage site, giving you another reason not to miss it.
3. Bell Of Good Luck:
How abut getting up close and personal with the world’s largest bell? Just walk to the close by Foquan Temple where the Bell of Good Luck hangs majestically atop the Dragon Head’s Peak. Rung on 31st December 1999, the bell was built for the first time to welcome the new millennium.
| Height: 8.108 meters | Diameter: 5.118 meters | Weight: 116 metric tons |
4. Zhanhe Park:
Round off your day with a stroll in the Zhanhe Park. The serene environment and great vistas are panacea for your fatigued mind and body. Just a stone’s throw from the statue site, it’s easily accessible as well.
Location:
- Address: Lushan County, Henan, Pingdingshan, Henan, China.
- Coordinates: 33.7751°N, 112.4510°E
3. Laykyun Sekkya
- Height: 115.8 m (380 feet)
- Construction Timeline: 1996 to 21 February 2008
- Cost: 35 Million US Dollars
- Commissioned by: Chief Abbot Ven. Narada
If you think the statue in Spring Temple is the only colossal Buddha statue in the world, think again. Meet the Laykyun Sekkya Buddha statue in the hamlet of Khatakan Taung, near Monywa, Myanmar. Measuring 115 meters vertically, it’s the third on the list of the ten tallest statues on Earth.
The massive structure stands tall in the heart of a religious site, surrounded by bodhi trees. The nearby open spaces feature several figurines of meditating Buddha arranged in multiple rows. Just next to the Laykyun Sekkya is a colossal 95-meter-longlong statue of a reclining Buddha.
The Laykyun Sekkya statue is equivalent to a 31 storied building. Feel free to explore it from inside for an insight into Buddhist theology. As you move up, you will come across the different life stages of Buddha depicted in detail. However, certain depictions of immoral souls being punished in hell might be disturbing. The area isn’t that crowded, making it ideal for those seeking solace.
Depiction:
The Laykyun Sekkya depicts Buddhism’s spiritual teacher and founder, Buddha Shakyamuni. It’s a site of worship, attracting a deluge of devout Buddhists from across Myanmar and beyond. The color yellow is linked with wisdom in Buddhism, which is why it is well-represented in the statue.
Construction Timeline & Costs:
The work on Laykyun Sekkya began way back in 1996 and was completed on February 29, 2008. It briefly reigned as the world’s tallest statue just before the Spring Temple statue sprang up in 2008.
The statue accounted for a whopping 35 million USD.
Attractions:
Take time to visit the following nearby attraction on your trip to Laykyun Sekkya Buddha.
1. Po-Win Taung:
Po-Win Taung is all in readiness to astound you with an extensive selection of Innwa-styled Buddhist figurines and murals. It is a collection of 100+ cave temples in the heart of Monywa.
2. Shwe Ba Taung:
Just a stone’s throw from Po-Win Taung is another collection of temples with Buddha statues carved from sandstone. Locals even refer to Shew B Taung as the Petra of Myanmar.
3. Phowintaung:
Nestled in the outskirts of Monywa, this is another cave complex, featuring around 947 lavishly ornamented, sandstone cave temples and countless Buddha figures in different poses.
4. Kaunghmudaw Pagoda:
Inspired by Ruwanwelisaya Stupa in Sri Lanka, Kaunghmudaw Pagoda has a tremendous religious significance in Sagaing since it burst on to the scene in the 17th century. Surprisingly, the recent gold-plating doesn’t go well with the locals who are lobbying to get the pagoda repainted to white.
Location:
- Address: Khatakan Taung, near Monywa, Sagaing Division (Myanmar)
- Coordinates: 22.0803°N 95.2893°E
4. Ushiku Daibutsu
- Height: 100 m (330 feet)
- Since: June 1993
- Material: Bronze
- Architect: Tani Ksh
- Designer: Ōtani Kōshō
- Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Feast your eyes on Ushiku Daibutsu, an architectural wonder sitting pretty in the Japanese city of Ushiku. Standing 120 meters tall, the statue was the tallest of all for 15 years, from 1993 to 2008, until Laykyun Sekkya came along. The statue was erected to mark the birth of Shinran, the founder of Buddhism’s Judo Shinshu, or “True Pure Land School.” As a side note, Daibutsu denotes “giant Buddha” in Japanese. And, as one of the tallest statues in the world, it justifies the name.
Depiction:
It’s a visually pleasing and artistic depiction of Amitabha Buddha, which signifies comprehensive love. Here, Buddha is in a standing pose, blessing us with enlightenment. And, his favored enlightenment method here is to make visitors visualize the world around them as an utopia.
Architecture & Construction:
The 10-meter-tall lotus platform adds to the height and aesthetics of this magnificent bronze statue.
The site has been developed as a tourist attraction. Within the statue, there are four levels, each with different offerings. Savor some lively music on the first level, while the second level is all about scriptural study. Likewise, the third one features over 30,000 Buddha sculptures & the magnificent gardens await you at the top level. An elevator facility is available for those who avoid walking.
- Location: Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture (Japan)
- Coordinates: 35.9827°N, 140.2203°E
5. Sendai Daikannon
Sendai Daikannon finds itself among the top five tallest statues in the world. The statue depicts the Japanese Buddhist bodhisattva, a goddess who epitomizes the Japanese Buddhist idea of compassion. Seemingly, Buddhists, across geographical boundaries, have a penchant for honoring their religious icons through massive statues.
Sendai Daikannon’s right-hand features a gem, which she uses to grant wishes. And, in her left hand, she holds a flask full of wisdom water. Besides wishes and wisdom, the place also offers some amazing views of the city. The hundred-meter height makes Sendai Daikannon the world’s tallest statue of a goddess. It’s located at the top of a hill in Sendai, hence the name. The location is idyllic, serving as a vantage point for some panoramic views of the city.
- 100 m (330 ft) in height
- Sendai City, Miyagi (Japan), 31-36 Sanezawa aza Nakayamaminami Izumi-ku
- 38.3005°N 140.8236°E are the coordinates.
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Since: September 1, 1991
6. Guishan Guanyin
The Guishan Guanyin of the Thousand Hands and Eyes makes it onto the list of the tallest statues in the world with its majestic 99-meter height. Besides ranking 6th globally, it also ranks 4th on the list of loftiest statues in China. The statue is sculpted using gilded bronze, which makes it visually pleasing. Mind you, bringing those intricate details to life is possible only with bronze.
The Guishan Guanyin, erected in Ningxiang, Hunan province, cost 260 million yuan, which was raised by local businesses and religious groups. The sculpture manifests the Bodhisattva Guanyin, a deity of compassion. She is also referred to as “Shiyimian Qianshou Guanyin,” meaning “Eleven-headed thousand-armed Guanyin.”
- Height: 99 m (325 feet) tall
- Location: Weishan, Changsha, Hunan (China)
- Location: 28°11′5.8′′N 111°57′48.1′′E
- Material: Gilded Bronze
- Since: 2009
7. Great Buddha of Thailand
When it comes to the loftiest statues in the world, the Great Buddha of Thailand is placed in seventh place. Known as Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin, the Buddha statue is an imposing presence in Wat Muang Monastery in Ang Thong province. Standing 92 meters tall, it is composed of concrete and painted in a golden hue.
The statue’s official name, Phra Phuttha Maha Navamintra Sakayamunee Sri Visejchaicharn, means “the Lord Buddha of Wiset Chai Chan”. It depicts Lord Buddha standing in the “Calling the Earth to Witness” stance. They erected it in honor of King Bhumibol.
- Height: 92 m (302 feet)
- Location: Ang Thong, Thailand
- Coordinates: 14°35′35.6″N 100°22′40.0″E
- Material: Concrete
- Since: 2008
- Depiction: Buddha
8. Dai Kannon of Kita no Miyako park
When Dai Kannon in Kita no Miyako Park opened in 1989, it was the tallest of all the statues on the planet. It remained the tallest until losing the record in 1991. In terms of height, it is Japan’s 3rd and the world’s 8th tallest and equals that of the Grand Buddha at Ling Shan. They also call it the Hokkaido Kannon and the Byakue Kannon.
The Dai Kannon in Kita no Miyako Park measures 88 meters and features 20 stories. Eight of them include shrines and places of worship. The platform at the top offers a stunning view of the region. The elevator would take you to each level of the monument.
- Height: 88 m (289 feet)
- Location: Ashibetsu, Hokkaidō, Japan
- Coordinates: 43°31′41.4″N 142°11′53.1″E
- Since: 1989
- Hours: Open 24 hours
9. Awaji Kannon
Awaji World Peace Kannon is a vision of Toyokichi Okunai, a local businessman. Using his real estate earnings, he commissioned the temple’s construction in 1982.
The gate and pagoda are visible even today. The monument is atop a 20-meter-high, five-story structure that also houses a museum, café, and gift store.
The Japanese government acquired the monument and the surrounding land in March 2020. The deteriorating facilities and a suicide attempt from the observation deck in February 2020 created a sense of uneasiness among the local populace. In April 2020, the declaration was made to dismantle the monument by the end of 2022.
- Height: 80 m (260 feet)
- Location: Awaji Island, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan
- Coordinates: 34.5029°N 134.9767°E
10. Great Buddha of Ling Shan
Another Amitabha Buddha statue makes it to the list of the ten tallest statues in the world. It’s the Grand Buddha statue in Wuxi, Jiangsu, on the north bank of Lake Tai. The bronze masterpiece is 88 meters (289 feet) high and weighs over 700 metric tonnes. The beautiful lotus pedestal measures 9 meters. The statue has been there since 1996.
- Height: 79 m (259 feet)
- Location: Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- Coordinates: 31°25′55″N 120°5′29″E
- Since: 1996
Conclusion
People and history are commemorated around the world by magnificent sculptures. In some cases, they are tall enough to be the city’s primary attraction. There you have it, our take on the tallest statues in the world. Thank you for reading the description. I hope you enjoyed it.
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