From the world’s tallest statue of a Hindu deity to a 1300-year-old statue of the future Buddha, Maitreya, these enormous statues will take you around the world and fill you with awe.
Laykyun Setkyar, Myanmar
The 116-meter Laykyun Setkya located in Khatakan Taung is the second tallest statue in the world. Depicting the Gautama Buddha, it took nearly 12 years (1996–2008) to build. It stands beside two smaller Buddhas, both sizable in their own right.
Rock sculpture of Decebalus, Romania
This 40-metre-tall sculpture of the face of Dacia’s last king, Decebalus, is the tallest rock sculpture in Europe. Carved into a rocky outcrop on the river Danube at the Iron Gates, it was constructed between 1994 and 2004.
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
In Rio de Janeiro, the 30-metre-tall Christ the Redeemer statue, in Art Deco style, reigns supreme atop Mount Corcovado, 2000 feet above the city. It is recognised as one of the seven new wonders of the world.
Leshan Giant Buddha, China
Located in Sichuan, this 71-metre-high statue was built in worship of the future Buddha, Maitreya. Its construction was led by a Buddhist monk named Haitong around 1300 years ago. It is believed that Haitong threated to gouge out his eyes when funding for his precious project was threatened.
Lord Murugan Statue, Malaysia
Said to be the world’s tallest statue of a Hindu deity, the Lord Murugan Statue presides over the Batu Caves of Selangor. It took 226 tonnes of steel and 300 litres of gold paint to construct the 41-metre-high sculpture.
The Statue of Liberty, United States
Standing high and mighty on Liberty Island in New York, the 46-metre-tall Statue of Liberty was created by the French as a gift and brought to America, where it was assembled in 1875. The statue is an icon representing freedom, particularly for immigrants arriving to America by boat.
Rodina-Mat zovyot!, Russia
In English, Rodina-Mat zovyot! translates to ‘the Motherland Calls!’ Located in Volgograd, this statue is a complex engineering feat because of the statue’s extended posture. It weighs in at 7165 tonnes, and at 85 metres high, was named the tallest statue in the world upon its unveiling in 1967.
