Sanctuary of Virgen de la Paz
Trujillo
The Sanctuary of Virgen de la Paz, also known as Monumento a la Virgen de la Paz, is a monumental concrete statue located 11 kilometers southwest of Trujillo, Venezuela. Standing at 46.72 meters tall, it ranks as the tallest statue in South America and one of the tallest statues of Mary worldwide. Designed by Spanish-Venezuelan sculptor Manuel de la Fuente, it was inaugurated on December 21, 1983. The statue symbolizes peace, with a dove in the Virgin's right hand representing Venezuela's presidential responsibility to promote peace. Situated at approximately 1,600 meters above sea level on the Peña de la Virgen hill, the site offers panoramic views of the Trujillo state, the Sierra Nevada de Mérida, and Lake Maracaibo’s southern coast on clear days. Despite its monumental scale and cultural significance as the patron saint's representation for Trujillo, the sanctuary is relatively under-visited compared to other regional religious sites. The statue weighs 1,200 tonnes and measures 16 meters across with an 18-meter deep base, reflecting its colossal presence. The Virgin of Peace has been a spiritual patron since the 16th century, deeply rooted in local Christian mysticism and indigenous history. The monument also commemorates the Virgin's legendary apparition in the 1570s to local inhabitants, enhancing its religious and cultural importance.
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Consejo: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during clear weather to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views from the monument. It is recommended to check local opening hours and consider purchasing tickets in advance if available to avoid waiting. The sanctuary may offer discounts for groups or religious pilgrims, so inquire locally. Visiting during regional religious festivities can enrich the experience but expect larger crowds. Comfortable walking shoes are suggested due to the hill's elevation and terrain.
Datos interesantes
- •The statue is the tallest in South America and the second tallest statue of Mary worldwide.
- •It weighs approximately 1,200 tonnes and is made entirely of concrete.
- •The monument stands about 1,600 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of Trujillo state and nearby mountain ranges.
- •The dove in the Virgin's right hand symbolizes the presidential duty of promoting peace in Venezuela.
- •The statue was designed by Spanish-Venezuelan sculptor Manuel de la Fuente and inaugurated in 1983.
Historia
The Sanctuary of Virgen de la Paz was inaugurated in 1983, conceived by then First Lady Betty Urdaneta de Herrera Campins and the state governor Dora Maldonado de Falcón.
The site, Peña de la Virgen, has been spiritually significant since the 16th century when the Virgin of Peace was said to have appeared to locals, replacing indigenous worship of the goddess Ikake after Spanish colonization.
Trujillo was founded in 1557 following indigenous uprisings.
The Virgin of Peace has been the patron saint of Trujillo since 1568 and the diocese since 1960.
The statue honors this legacy and symbolizes peace, reflected in the dove held by the Virgin.
The monument is part of a triad of symbolic landmarks representing peace and historical events in the region.
Guía del lugar
The Colossal Statue1983
The main attraction is the 46.72-meter tall concrete statue of the Virgin of Peace, notable for its size and symbolic dove in the right hand representing peace.
Panoramic Viewpoint
Located at about 1,600 meters above sea level, the monument offers spectacular views of the state of Trujillo, Sierra Nevada de Mérida, and the southern coast of Lake Maracaibo on clear days.