The Christ of the Ozarks statue is truly a remarkable sight. Several stories high and weighing millions of pounds, it’s absolutely massive. However, the size isn’t the only interesting thing about the iconic statue. Its construction is equally as impressive and worth a mention.
Overlooking the picturesque village of Eureka Springs, the Christ of the Ozarks statue stands at a towering 67 feet and weighs over 2 million pounds!
Christ of the Ozarks/Google
It was built in 1966, and has been one of the most visited attractions in the Ozarks ever since.
The Great Passion Play/Facebook
The statue’s fame is no surprise – it’s quite remarkable…and huge!
The Great Passion Play/Facebook
To put its size into perspective, the face is about 15 feet in height, while the hands, from wrist to fingertip, measure about 7 feet, which is taller than most humans.
greatpassionplay.org And with a 65-foot “wingspan,” it’s nearly as wide as it is tall.
Constructing the massive statue was no easy feat – especially when you learn that every inch of it was built by hand.
greatpassionplay.org
The grueling construction process was only made more difficult by the statue’s location. It’s nestled atop Magnetic Mountain, at an altitude of 1,500 feet.
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In order to secure the massive sculpture, its foundation had to be welded into the rock of Magnetic Mountain. What’s more, it required 340 tons of concrete interlaced with steel.
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As things progressed, workers had to build an elevator in order to reach the higher portions of the 7-story statue.
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The effort was definitely worth it, as Christ of the Ozarks is the fourth-largest Jesus statue in the world and the largest in the U.S.
The Great Passion Play/Facebook
Often, Christ of the Ozarks is visited by those attending The Great Passion Play, which is performed in an amphitheater not far from the famous statue. You do NOT have to attend the play to visit, though.
greatpassionplay.ticketspice.com Although, you might want to consider attending since it’s the “number one attended outdoor drama in America,” according to the Institute of Outdoor Drama in Greenville, North Carolina.
There is no cost to view Christ of the Ozarks; however, donations are appreciated. For more info on Christ of the Ozarks, call (479) 253-8559. You can also visit The Great Passion Play website.
Christ of the Ozarks/Google
The Great Passion Play/Facebook
greatpassionplay.org
And with a 65-foot “wingspan,” it’s nearly as wide as it is tall.
greatpassionplay.ticketspice.com
Although, you might want to consider attending since it’s the “number one attended outdoor drama in America,” according to the Institute of Outdoor Drama in Greenville, North Carolina.
So, did you know the story behind this famous statue? Ever viewed Christ of the Ozarks in person? If so, what’d you think? Tell us!
Christ of the Ozarks is one of the state’s most recognizable sites, but it’s just the beginning of the must-see places in Arkansas. Click here to read about some of the state’s coolest underrated attractions.
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Address: Christ of the Ozarks, 937 Passion Play Rd, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA
