Christ the King Statue: Lubango's Iconic Landmark
Discover Lubango's iconic Christ the King Statue: panoramic views, rich history, and a symbol of faith inspired by Rio's Christ the Redeemer.
Overlooking the city of Lubango in southern Angola, the Christ the King Statue (Cristo Rei) stands as a prominent Catholic monument and shrine. Inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, it is one of only a few similar statues in the world. The 30-meter-high (98 ft) white marble statue was erected in 1957 by settlers from Madeira, Portugal, and designed by engineer Frazão Sardinha. Built on a base of cement and hydraulic lime, the monument sits at an altitude of 2,130 meters (6,988 feet) on the Chela mountain range. The statue is a significant landmark and a major tourist attraction, offering a 360-degree view of Lubango. From this vantage point, visitors can see the capital of the Huíla province and experience stunning sunsets. The site also features the city's name in monumental letters, reminiscent of the Hollywood sign. While initially built as a Catholic symbol representing colonial interests, today, the Christ the King Statue is a place of religious pilgrimage and a symbol of protection. Visitors may encounter members of local tribes, such as the Mumuilas, who come to the site to interact with tourists.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk from the parking area to the statue.
- Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of Lubango and the surrounding landscape.
- Visit during sunset for a particularly stunning view.
A brief summary to Christ the King Statue
- 3G56+XQJ, Lubango, AO
Getting There
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Taxi
From anywhere in Lubango, take a taxi to Cristo Rei. Taxis are a common form of transport. A short taxi ride within Lubango should cost approximately 500-1000 AOA. Confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey. The ride should take around 20-30 minutes.
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Car
If driving from Lubango, take the EN105 road heading east. After about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), look for signs directing you to the statue and turn onto the access road. Free parking is generally available near the statue. The drive from Lubango should take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
