Making tall statues is not a new concept. Throughout history, tall statues have been built and now play an important role in attracting tourists to different countries. Most of these giant statues honor great historical figures or represent significant events.
In this blog, we will explore the top 10 tallest statues in the world worth visiting with friends and family. These magnificent monuments hold deep historical and cultural significance and provide a memorable travel experience.
1. Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity, which represents Indian statesman and freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is currently the tallest in the world. Located on a river island opposite the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Kevadia, it was inaugurated on October 31, 2018, to mark Patel’s 143rd birth anniversary.
- Height: 182 meters (597 feet), including base: 240 meters (790 feet)
- Location: Narmada District, Gujarat, India
2. Spring Temple Buddha
The second tallest statue in the world, the Spring Temple Buddha, is a magnificent representation of Vairoka Buddha. It stands on a lotus-shaped throne in the Fodu Shan Scenic Area. Construction began in 1997 and was completed in 2008. The statue sits on a hill.
- Height: 128 meters (420 feet), including base: 208 meters (682 feet)
- Location: Lushan County, Henan, China
3. Laykyun Sekkya
Standing on a 13.5-meter throne, Lacune Secca is one of the tallest statues in the world. This impressive golden structure represents Gautama Buddha. Construction began in 1996 and took 12 years; the statue officially opened to the public in February 2008.
- Height: 116 meters (381 feet), including base: 129.2 meters (424 feet)
- Location: Khatakan Taung, near Monywa, Myanmar
4. Ushiku Daibutsu
Built-in 1993, the Ushiku Daibutsu is one of the tallest statues in the world and depicts Amitabh Buddha. This bronze statue is on a lotus platform and ranks among the top five tallest statues globally as of 2018. It was built to commemorate the birth of Shinran, the founder of the “True Pure Land School” of Buddhism.
- Height: 100 meters (330 feet) including base: 120 meters (390 feet)
- Location: Ushiku, Ibaraki, Japan
5. Sendai Daikannon
The Sendai Daikannon is a giant statue of the Nyorin Kannon, a form of the Bodhisattva Kannon, located in Sendai, Japan. It is the tallest goddess in Japan and one of the top five tallest statues in the world, making it an impressive landmark.
- Height: 100 meters (330 feet)
- Location: Sendai, Japan
6. Qianshou Qianyan Guanyin of Weishan
This statue is the fourth tallest in China and the sixth tallest in the world. Made of gilded bronze, it represents a bodhisattva, symbolizing the compassion of all Buddhas. This impressive statue was constructed in 2009 with an investment of 260 million Yuan from the Ningshan County Government and support from local businesses and religious organizations.
- Height: statue: 99 meters (325 feet)
- Location: Weishan, Changsha, Hunan, China
7. Great Buddha of Thailand
The Great Buddha of Thailand, also known as The Big Buddha, is the tallest statue in Thailand, the second tallest in Southeast Asia, and the seventh tallest in the world. It was built at the behest of the first head monk of Wat Muang Temple, Phra Kru Vibul Arjarkhun.
- Height: 92 meters (302 feet)
- Location: Wat Muang, Wiset Chai Chan, Ang Thong, Thailand
8. Hokkaido Kannon
Hokkaido Kannon, also known as Keita no Miyako Park’s Dai Kannon, is the third tallest statue in Japan and ranks among the ten tallest statues in the world. Construction began in 1975 and was completed in 1989. This impressive statue has more than 20 floors.
- Height: 88 meters (289 feet)
- Location: Ashibetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
9. The Motherland Calls
Motherland Calls is the world’s tallest statue of a woman and ranks among the top ten tallest statues globally. The statue symbolizes the motherland urging her children to resist their enemies and continue the fight. Due to its unique design, it looks extremely complex from an engineering perspective.
- Height: statue: 85 meters (279 feet)
- Location: Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd, Russia
10. Awaji Kannon
Also known as the World Peace Giant Cannon, the Awaji Cannon is a giant statue in an abandoned building on Awaji Island that houses a museum and temple. The statue stands on a five-storied pedestal 66 feet high. In Chinese culture, it represents Canon, a prominent Buddhist goddess, Guanyin.
- Height: statue: 80 meters (260 feet)
- Location: Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world has some of the tallest statues, each representing unique cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. From the towering Statue of Unity in India to the serene Great Buddha of Thailand, these magnificent structures showcase human creativity and engineering and draw visitors from around the globe. Each statue tells a story and offers a glimpse into the values and beliefs of the societies that built them. Whether you are a traveler seeking iconic landmarks or someone interested in history and culture, visiting these tall statues provides a remarkable experience and a chance to reflect on the enduring impact of these monumental works.
FAQs
Q1: What is the tallest statue in the world?
Ans: The Statue of Unity in India is currently the tallest in the world, standing at 182 meters (597 feet) tall.
Q2: Where is the Statue of Unity located?
Ans: The Statue of Unity is located in Kevadiya, Gujarat, India, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Q3: What statue holds the second tallest position globally?
Ans: The Spring Temple Buddha in China is the second tallest statue, at 128 meters (420 feet).
Q4: What is the significance of the Spring Temple Buddha?
Ans: This statue represents Vairocana Buddha, which is located in the Fodu Shan Scenic Area and symbolizes peace and spirituality.
Q5: Which statue is the tallest in Japan?
Ans: The Ushiku Daibutsu, a statue of Amitabha Buddha, is the tallest statue in Japan at 120 meters (394 feet).
Q6: How tall is the Great Buddha of Thailand?
Ans: The Great Buddha of Thailand, also known as the Big Buddha, stands at 92 meters (302 feet), making it the tallest statue in Thailand.
Q7: Are there any statues dedicated to women?
Ans: The Motherland Calls in Russia is the tallest statue of a woman in the world, standing at 85 meters (279 feet).
Q8: What materials are these statues made from?
Ans: The materials vary; for example, the Statue of Unity is made of bronze and steel, while the Ushiku Daibutsu is made of bronze.
Q9: Can visitors go inside these statues?
Ans: Many tall statues, like the Statue of Unity and Hokkaido Kannon, have elevators and viewing platforms for visitors to explore.
Q10: Why do these statues attract so many tourists?
Ans: These statues often represent significant cultural or religious figures, offer breathtaking views, and are architectural marvels, making them popular tourist destinations.