The Virgen de El Panecillo stands on a hill in the center of Quito, visible from almost everywhere in the city. Not only is it the tallest aluminum statue in the world, it’s also the world’s tallest winged representation of the Virgin Mary.
In the 1950s, local authorities and religious leaders stood looking at El Panecillo, a loaf-shaped, 656-foot-high (200 meters) hill that rises up between central and southern Quito. They all agreed that the bare hilltop, visible throughout the city, was the perfect place to erect a statue.
About the source
Atlas Obscura aims 'to inspire wonder and curiosity about the incredible world we all share'. You can contribute to their collection on their website.
Keep track of the places you have been, log in.
