Discover the tallest statues in the world

Throughout history, various civilizations have erected colossal statues to honour significant figures and deities. These grand monuments often serve as powerful symbols of cultural pride, religious reverence, and national identity. From ancient times to the modern era, the creation of these massive sculptures has required remarkable feats of engineering and artistry, reflecting the advanced capabilities and artistic vision of their creators.
Today, many of these statues stand as testaments to human ingenuity and cultural heritage.They represent more than just impressive architectural achievements; they embody the values, beliefs, and historical narratives of the societies that built them. These towering figures, whether of deities, leaders, or historical icons, offer insight into the civilizations that revered them, providing valuable context for understanding the evolution of human culture and art.
In addition to their historical and cultural significance, these monumental statues play a crucial role in boosting tourism. Visitors from around the world are drawn to these awe-inspiring structures, eager to witness the tallest statues in the world. The tourism generated by these sites contributes significantly to local economies, creating jobs and supporting businesses. This influx of visitors also fosters cultural exchange, as people from diverse backgrounds come together to appreciate these shared human achievements.




Location: Kevadia, Gujarat, India | Height: 182 metres (597 feet) | Completion Date: October 31, 2018
The Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world, honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure in India's independence struggle. Designed by Ram V. Sutar, featuring a 153-metre viewing gallery and boosts the local economy.

Location: Lushan County, Henan, China | Height: 128 metres (420 feet) (153 metres including the pedestal) | Completion Date: 2008
The Spring Temple Buddha, the second tallest statue in the world, stands at 153 metres (502 feet) in Fodushan Scenic Area, featuring a temple, monastery, and Buddhist Museum museum, following its completion.

Location: Khatakan Taung, Myanmar | Height: 115.8 metres (380 feet) (129.2 metres including the throne) | Completion Date: 2008
The Laykyun Sekkya statue in Myanmar is the world's third tallest statue, representing Buddha on a 13.5-meter throne. It features an internal structure for visitors to ascend and view Buddhist teachings and iconography.

Location: Ushiku, Japan | Height: 100m | Completion Date: 1993
Upon its completion in 1993, the statue of Buddha known as Ushiku Daibutsu was the tallest in the world, holding this record for 15 years. Inside the statue, an elevator takes visitors up 85 meters to an observation deck, offering impressive views. It is also believed to be the heaviest statue ever built, weighing over 4,000 tonnes. This bronze statue commemorates the birth of Shinran, a significant Japanese monk who founded the 'Shin' branch of Buddhism, the most widely practiced form of Buddhism in Japan.

Location: Hunan, China | Height: 99m | Completion Date: 2009
To reach the Guishan Guanyin of the Thousand Hands and Eyes statue, you must ascend the numerous flights of stairs at Miyin Temple, a Chan Buddhist temple in Weishan, China. At the top, you are rewarded with a gilded bronze monument representing a manifestation of the Bodhisattva Guanyin known as Shiyimian Qianshou Guanyin. The statue was completed in 2009 at a cost of approximately £28 million.

Location: Pagkilatan, Philippines | Height: 98.15 m | Completion Date: 2021
The 'Mother of All Asia' statue is the world's tallest depiction of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing peace and unity. Located at the Montemaria International Pilgrimage & Conference Center in Batangas City, Philippines, it was completed in 2021. Though relatively simple compared to some other statues, it is nonetheless impressive. Inside, it houses chapels, theatres, shops, food halls, residential spaces, and a shrine to Pope John Paul II.

Location: Ang Thong, Thailand | Height: 92m | Completion Date: 2008
Located in the Wat Muang Monastery in Ang Thong province, The Great Buddha of Thailand, also known as The Big Buddha or Mahaminh Sakayamunee Visejchaicharn, is one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. Photo by Getty Images. Not only is the Great Buddha of Thailand (officially named 'Phra Phuttha Mahanawamintra Sakayamunee Sri Visejchaicharn') impressively tall, but it is also remarkably wide at 63 meters. The statue took 18 years to construct, with building work completed in 2008. Although it appears ostentatious, the statue is made of concrete and painted gold. It was funded by donations from local Buddhists, who raised the £2.2 million needed for its construction.

Location: Sendai, Japan | Height: 92m | Completion Date: 1991
Next on our list is another impressive statue depicting Dai Kannon. Built in the city of Sendai in 1991, this statue briefly held the title of the world's tallest. Dai Kannon holds the Cintamani Stone, a wish-fulfilling jewel revered in both Buddhism and Hinduism.

Location: Ashibetsu, Japan | Height: 88m | Completion Date: 1989
Dai Kannon of Kita no Miyako Park is a statue dedicated to Guanyin, the goddess revered in Buddhism for mercy and compassion. In traditional Chinese Buddhism, Guanyin is depicted as masculine. However, in Japanese culture, the deity is seen as female, reflected in artworks and sculptures. Completed in 1989, construction on the statue concluded when it held the title of the world's tallest until 1991. This statue is one of several erected across Japan during the financial boom of the 1980s by affluent donors. Many of these statues have since deteriorated, and some have been demolished.
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