Perched high upon the Cerro de los Cristales—named for the abundant quartz once collected throughout the surrounding area—stands Cristo Rey (Christ the King). Located west of Cali, Colombia, in the village of Los Andes, this massive 26-meter-tall monument of iron and concrete weighs 464 tons, including its five-meter pedestal. Inaugurated on October 25, 1953, to commemorate fifty years since the end of the War of a Thousand Days, it is recognized today as one of the wonders of modern Colombia.
Beyond reaching the monumental statue itself, your visit features incredible artwork along your journey up the hill. Over two years, artist Carlos Andrés Gómez sculpted biblical scenes of Golgotha directly onto 34 ravines using cement and clay. Extending over five kilometers, these sculptures range from 50 centimeters to five meters high.
As you ascend, you will see striking artistic works including 'Existence' (a tribute to life), the environmental protest 'Lament of the Pacha Mama', 'Golgotha', and 'The Garden of Eden'. At the summit, the site offers visitors convenient features including a chapel, restaurant, and parking, drawing hundreds of thousands of local and foreign tourists each year.
What to see at Christ the King statue
- Marvel at the 26-meter, 464-ton iron and concrete Christ the King statue on the Hill of the Crystals.
- View the 34 sculpted ravines by artist Carlos Andrés Gómez along the five-kilometer ascent.
- See detailed cement and clay artwork including 'Existence', 'The Garden of Eden', and 'Lament of the Pacha Mama'.
- Enjoy convenient amenities at the summit, including a chapel, a restaurant, and dedicated parking.
Visiting tips
Entrance to the Christ the King monument is completely free, with opening hours running daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Christ the King statue is easy to reach on Cali’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Cali Zoo and Metropolitan Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Cali travel guide.
See the full Cali travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.