The Statue of the Risen Christ

The Statue of the Risen Christ, standing high above the village of Marsalforn near Tas-Salvatur Hill, is one of Gozo’s most recognizable landmarks and spiritual sites. Inspired by the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, the monument overlooks the northern coastline of Gozo from an elevated hilltop with breathtaking panoramic views across the island and the Mediterranean Sea.

The history of the monument dates back to 1904, when the first stone statue was created by sculptor Liberat Borg. In 1960, it was replaced by a larger concrete version designed by renowned Maltese artist Wistin Camilleri, but this statue was later destroyed by lightning in 1973. The current statue was then modelled and cast by Carmel Grech in the late 1970s, with the face of Christ famously inspired by his young nephew, Mario Grech. Today, the site remains a peaceful place of reflection, pilgrimage, hiking, and photography, attracting both locals and visitors throughout the year.

✨ Tourist Tips:

🥾 Best Way to Visit: A short uphill walk leads to the statue — comfortable shoes are recommended, especially during summer.

🌅 Sunset Spot: The hill is one of the best places in Gozo to watch the sunset over Marsalforn and the northern coast.

📸 Photography Tip: Early morning and golden hour provide the clearest views and most dramatic lighting for photos.

💧 Bring Water: There are limited facilities on the hill itself, so carry water, especially on hot days.

🙏 Respect the Area: The site is considered a place of reflection and pilgrimage, so visitors are encouraged to keep noise levels low.