Cristo Rey

The statue stands about twenty-six metres including its pedestal on the Cerro de los Cristales at around 1,440 metres, and was built between 1948 and 1953 by the Italian sculptor Alideo Tazzioli Fontanini. Its stated purpose was to mark fifty years since the end of the Thousand Days War, which had ended in 1902 - a commemoration of half a century of peace, made during La Violencia, the period of political killing that was under way as the statue went up, which gives the dedication a bleak edge that local accounts do not avoid. The view covers the whole Cauca valley and the city. Craft stalls and food vendors work the summit area, and the road up is winding and best taken by taxi.

What you actually see

• A concrete Christ about twenty-six metres - built 1948 to 1953.
• A dedication to fifty years of peace - made during La Violencia.
• The Cauca valley and Cali - from around 1,440 metres.
• Stalls and vendors - working the summit area.

When to go

Year round; late afternoon for light. Two hours.

Honest expectations

The road up is winding and walking it is not advised for safety. There is little shade at the top. It is a viewpoint with a statue - the visit is short. Petty theft has been reported on the approach.

Nearby

Cali is below; the Tres Cruces hill is on the other side of the city.