Tall statues across the world are a representation of the country’s might and the ruler’s pride. It is a way for the people of the country to showcase their love and respect for the country that they call home. Other than being a mark of national pride, these tallest statutes are also a way for the nation to recognise and honour the life and contributions of that person. Not just that, these statues draw in a lot of tourism from all over the world that positively spikes up the tourism economy of that place.
In case you are wondering, then here are the top 21 largest statues in the world, arranged chronologically:
List of the 21 Tallest Statues in the World
Statue of unity is without a doubt one of the most prolific and imposing works of architectural wonders of recent times. Dedicated to the steel man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, statue of unity currently occupies the spot for being the tallest statue in the world. Standing tall at a height of almost 600 feet, the statue is constructed on a river island called sadhu bet, facing the Narmada dam. Surrounded by a 12 km long artificial lake the statue complex is divided into 5 zones, out of which only 3 zones are accessible to the general public. Home to an audio-visual gallery, a museum, memorial garden, mezzanine and roof etc. this place is a must visit during your trip to Gujarat.
Initially known for being the tallest statue in the world, the spring temple Buddha of China is a colossal statue depicting the Vairocana Buddha. Located in Henan, completed in 2008 the statue stands tall at a height of 502 feet. The term spring temple Buddha is derived from the name of a nearby natural hot water spring which is known for its medicinal and disease curing properties. This iconic statue is situated on top of a small hillock where the statue is placed on a small, lotus-like chiselled pedestal. Weighing over 1,000 ton and built using 1,100 different copper cast pieces, the spring temple Buddha is one of the most famous tourist destinations in China.
As of 2018, Laykyun Sekkya, standing tall at a height of 381 feet, is the 3rd tallest statue in the world. Located in Monywa Myanmar, this crowning glory of Burma, can be seen standing on a large crown with golden layer covering every inch of it and radiating its glory to a large distance. Every Buddhist element is carved out on this statue in great detail and with immense intricacies. The statue was built solely by the donation and contributions made by the local people of Myanmar. One can travel up to the 27th floor of the statue and offer their prayer in a small temple built within it. The surroundings are covered in expansive greenery and lush trees. Within the complex, the landscape is covered with over 9,000 Bodhi trees.
The 354 feet high, imposing statue of the bodhisattva Guanyin is located on the southern coast of China’s island province of Hainan. The statue is mainly noted for its 3 prime aspects: one side of it dances inland while the other 2 face the gushing and ferocious South China Sea. This statue stands as a blessing and also serves as a protective shield by Guanyin of China and the whole world. The statue can be seen cradling a sutra in left hand while gesturing the Vitarka mudra with the right hand. The second statue is seen with their palms crossed, holding a string of beads while the third-hand holds a lotus flower.
Standing tall at a height of 351 feet, and situated in the vibrant state of Rajasthan, statue of belief is the tallest Shiva statue in India. On this iconic structure Lord Shiva can be seen in a peaceful seated position on a 110 feet tall pedestal. The statue is so massive that it can be easily spotted from at least 20 kms away. Visitors can walk into the statue where they can educate themselves about the glories of Lord Shiva in the exhibition halls. Other elements of the statues include a public viewing gallery, herbal gardens, and laser fountain and food court. A grand Nandi installation facing the statue will be greeting the visitors on the entrance.
Carved out from a mountain on the gushing yellow river, the rock sculpture of emperors Yan and Huang is a stunning work of skilled architectural wonderment. One can just stand and gape at the immensity of it all. The overall mountain structure stands tall at a height of 348 feet on top of a 55-metre broad base platform. The sculptures depict two mythical emperors, Yan Di and Huang Di. The construction lasted for about 20 years and it commemorates the political life of these two emperors. The Chinese people consider themselves to be the descendants of these two mythical emperors hence making this place very important.
This iconic monumental statue in Kyiv, Ukraine, is not only one of the tallest statues in the world but it is also a part of the national museum of the history of Ukraine in World War 2. The stainless steel statue stands tall at a height of 335 feet tall including its base structure that supports it. The entire statue is quite a dramatic structure and invokes a curious feeling on observing it closely. The statue can be seen holding a sword on one hand while the other hand holds a shield embellished with the hammer and the sickle emblem of the Soviet Union. One can learn more about the statue by visiting the memorial hall of the museum that displays marble plaques carrying the names of over 11,600 soldiers who died during the war, earning the title of hero of the Soviet Union and the hero of socialist labour.
Completed in 1993 and standing tall at a height of 390 feet, the Ushiku Daibutsu Statue in Japan is one of the tallest statues in the world. The statue is a depiction of the Amitabha Buddha and is made entirely out of bronze. The elevator present within the statue takes visitors up to the observatory deck which is about 85 metres tall in height. Built to commemorate the birth of Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu or the true pure land school of Buddhism. The 100-metre-tall torso of the Buddha is divided into 20 different tiers and is a grand engineering marvel. The statue complex is surrounded by lush, green and manicured lawns that imposes a peaceful vibe to the entire environment.
Sendai Daikannon is not only one of the largest statues in the world but it is also the tallest goddess statue in Japan. The large statue that rises up at a height of 330 feet, the statue is dedicated to byakue Kannon. Completed in 1991, the statue depicts a manifestation of bodhisattva Kannon meaning the white-robed Kannon bearing a cintamani gem in her hand. The name of the statue is derived from the city the statue is located in and is one of the most iconic symbols of world peace. This statue of the goddess of mercy, the Daikannon is located on top of a small hill overlooking the whole city and blessing everyone who can see them.
Guishan Guanyin in Ningxiang, Hunan province is known for being the 4th tallest statue in China and is one of the most iconic bodhisattva statues in the world. Found in the minyin temple complex, a chan Buddhist temple, this iconic statue is a gilded bronze monument that depicts the bodhisattva Guanyin meaning the eleven-headed thousand-armed Guanyin. Standing tall at an astounding height of 325 feet the statue is one of the most iconic heritage remnants of the Chinese past. Ity was made not only with the help of the government but also with the help of the contributions made by the local residents. It is a stunning sight to behold and will leave you in awe.
Gracing the western confluence of the Moskva River and Vodovody canal in central Moscow, the statue of Peter the great is an iconic landmark of Russia. This 322 feet high statue was created to commemorate 300 years of the Russian navy which was first established by Peter the Great himself. Inaugurated in 1997 and weighing over 1,000 tons, the statue is shrouded in criticism and debate. No matter what the criticism is, the statue is one of the tallest in the world. It was allegedly based on a design which was originally created to mark the 500th anniversary of the first voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1992. The statue also stands as a symbol of Peter’s conquest of an unruly nation.
Also locally referred to as the big Buddha, this is the tallest statue in Thailand and also the 22nd tallest in all of Southeast Asia. Located in the Wat Muang region, the statue stands tall at a height of 300 feet. The striking gold Buddha can be seen seated in a meditating pose, covered in golden paint and radiating an intense sense of peace and calm. The statue was built by the order of Phra Kru Vibul Arjarakhun who was the 1st abbot of Wat Muang Temple, as a symbol for commemorating the king of Thailand, king Bhumibol. One interesting fact about the statue’s construction is that it was built using the donated money from faithful Buddhists as an act of merit.
This 3rd tallest statue in Japan stands tall at a height of 289 feet. Surrounded by breathtaking views and snow patches, the statue is a must visit even for non-Buddhists. It had gained fame for being the tallest statue in the world when it was unveiled in 1991. The statue is dedicated to Guanyin Avalokitesvara and is located in the Kita No Miyako Park on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. The statue cannot only be viewed but people can also have access to visit it from the inside. It contains over 20 different floors, elevator service, various places of worship and shrines along with a platform that offers an incredible panoramic view of the surroundings from the top.
Overlooking the majestic north shore of Lake Tai near Jiangsu the grand Buddha statue at Lin Shan is one of the tallest statues in China as well as the world. The structure is a bronze Amitabha standing Buddha on a pedestal that is approachable only through stairs. The monument is a total of 289 feet tall and includes a 9-metre tall lotus pedestal. Surrounded by lush green, wide open spaces, this place is surely jaw-dropping in every sense. In 2008, a 5 signets palace along with a Hindu-inspired Brahma Temple were constructed in the southeastern region of the grand Buddha statue complex.
The motherland is one of the most dramatically created pieces of statues in the world. The name of the statue is derived from homeland – the mother is calling, which is the compositional centre of the monument ensemble ‘heroes of the blacked of Stalingrad’. At a height of 270 feet, the statue is designed in the soviet style of socialist realism. It currently occupies the place for being the tallest statue in Europe as well as the tallest statue in the eastern hemisphere outside of Asia. It is also famed for being the tallest statue of a woman in the world. It is so incredibly detailed that the woman’s clothing and hair can be seen flailing freely against the current of the wind which is symbolic of never stopping in the face of adversity.
Also known as world peace giant Kannon, the Awaji Kannon is not just a tall statue but it is also a museum and a temple. Located in the Awaji Island in the island of Hyogo, the structure is sadly abandoned as of now but its grandness still seems impeccable. The statue can be seen resting on top of a 5 story pedestal building that is 66 feet tall in itself. Ever since the passing away of the building’s manager and caretaker, it lay in ruins under the authority of the Japanese government. Another factor that led to its abandonment was the fact that someone had also committed suicide from its viewing deck that left the local population feeling uneasy.
As the name suggests, this colossal statue of Guanyin on Mount Xiqiao in Foshan can be seen standing tall at a height of 203 feet. The Guanyin can be seen in a sitting position on top of a 15-metre tall lotu-shaped pedestal. Ever since it was opened for visitors in 2002, the Guanyin Statue has attracted numerous visitors and tourists from all over the world. Made entirely in stunning bronze metal, the statue complex is situated on top of a hill and reaching the statue requires a lot of walking and stair climbing. Surrounded by a deep moat, it is one of the most calming and peace-evoking places in the world. A definite addition into your bucket list.
Locally referred to as the white lady, the statue of Aizu Jibo Kannon is a stunning sight to behold. Located halfway between Inawashiro and downtown Aizu Wakamatsu, this stark white statue looks like she rises above the city and gazes out lovingly offering her soft blessings at the valley below carrying a baby in her arms. She stands tall at an impressive height of 187 feet keeping in mind that it was built during the 1980s. The spiral staircase around the statue is studded with windows in regular intervals that allows the visitors to look out to their surroundings. Decorating the statue complex are manicured lawns, rows of cherry trees, a three-story pagoda and several picnic posts. The Kannon is mainly visited by couples looking to promote a safe delivery, have good love matches and offer blessings to their newborns.
This massive and imposing statue is dedicated to the goddess of mercy and is built on top of a hill in Futtsu. Built-in 1961, the statue provides some of the most stunning views of the surroundings that includes the Tokyo bay and boso peninsula. It was built with the intention of promoting the idea of world peace and the various memorial blocks to this sentiment can be found surrounding the statue all over. Visitors are allowed to climb up the staircase that goes up to the statue’s forehead. It is recommended for you to go up to the arms of the Kannon for better and more panoramic views.
Built entirely in bronze and standing at a marvellous height of 161 feet, this iconic heritage structure is located on top of one of the twin hills outside Dakar in Senegal. Overlooking the mighty and stunning Atlantic Ocean, the statue commemorates the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from France. Famous for being the tallest statue in Africa, the site was opened for visitors in 2010 and ever since then it has not only managed to capture the attention of travellers but it has also garnered some much-needed tourism funds in the city.
Considered as one of the most iconic MegaStructures of Japan, the Usami Dai Kannon stands tall at a height of 164 feet overlooking the surrounding city. Built-in 1986, the statue was built at the Shizuoka prefecture. Surrounded by thick lush green forest this kannon also houses a Buddhist complex. The Usami Dai Kannon is painted entirely in white where it can be seen emanating a halo from behind the head. The palms are folded as a gesture of starting peace along with eyes closed, that washes the visitors over with incredible calmness. Famous for being the largest sitting statue in Japan, this place is a must visit for everyone. It is truly and in every way an engineering and architectural marvel.
Q. What Are Some Of The Most Popular Destinations In Africa?
Ans. Famous destinations in Africa are: Cape Town, Marrakesh, Cairo, Johannesburg, Tenerife, Nairobi, Kruger National Park etc.
Q. Which Is The Smallest Statue In The World?
Ans. The microscopic polymer statue entitled trust is the smallest statue in the world.
Q. Which Is The Oldest Statue In The World?
Ans. The Lowenmensch Figurine and the Venus of Hohle Fels are 2 of the oldest known life-sized statues in the world.
Q. What Is The Statue Of Peace?
Ans. The statue of peace is in Srinagar and is dedicated to Swami Ramanujacharya.
Q. Which Is The Tallest Statue In Antarctica?
Ans. The long-duration balloon payload preparation buildings makes for the tallest statues in these cold regions.
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