How to Visit Italy’s Christ the Redeemer Statue in Maratea

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Curious to see Italy’s version of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Maratea? Here’s everything you need to know when planning your visit.

Many people are familiar with the legendary statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Standing at 38 metres tall, it’s pretty hard to miss! If getting to Brazil is a bit of a stretch for you, perhaps try Italy instead. That’s right – there is a “twin version” of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue located in a southern region of Italy.

The country’s very own depiction of Christ the Redeemer should not come as a big surprise, given Italy’s strong religious heritage and thousands of devout landmarks.

In this guide, find out everything you need to know about planning a visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Maratea.

The Essentials for Your Visit

🚊 By train, plan on arriving in Maratea.

✈️ Choose from three different airports if you’re flying: Naples, Bari, or Lamezia Terme.

🕐 The statue is open 24 hours a day. You can drive all the way to the top if you arrive before 8 a.m. Otherwise, you will need to take a €1 shuttle or walk.

🆓 Entrance to the actual statue is free.

☕️ There are a couple of shops and bars, as well as restrooms at the top of the mountain.

📸 You do not have to be religious in order to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue; it’s still worth visiting for the panoramic views from the top.

Where Is the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Italy?

Italy’s Christ the Redeemer statue (Statua del Cristo Redentore) is located in the town of Maratea and atop Monte San Biagio. Maratea sits on the shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea and in the region of Basilicata.

The town of Maratea is considered part of southern Italy and is located beneath the hoopla of the Amalfi Coast, making it a much quieter destination.

Maratea is just one of the picturesque towns dotted around the Gulf of Policastro, a dreamy stretch of Italian coastline infused with blue waters that has yet to be discovered by non-Italian visitors.

As one of Italy’s most underrated, least populated, and non-touristy regions, Basilicata is a gem in its own right with so much to see. The Christ the Redeemer statue in Maratea is just one of the top sights in Basilicata that will take you by surprise.

📍Read More: Top Places to Visit in Basilicata

Why Does Italy Have a Christ the Redeemer Statue?

The Christ the Redeemer statue in Maratea is a mighty symbol of faith not just for the local town but also for visitors from all over the country. Italy is heavily characterized by its religion, with nearly 80% of the population identifying as Catholic.

Maratea is also distinctly known as the town of 44 churches, so it only seems fitting that it’s topped off with a giant statue of Christ. With such high demand, the statue was built with the intention of attracting more tourists, a tactic that has proven to be successful!

Prior to the statue, the peak of Monte San Biagio was home to a castle (Maratea Castello) and an ancient village. In 1806, the site was left in ruins after an attack by French soldiers. The Christ the Redeemer statue’s location is partially commemorative of this chapter in history.

👍 You May Like: Off-The-Beaten-Path Places in Italy

Maratea’s Christ the Redeemer Statue FACTS

Size

Italy’s Christ the Redeemer statue in Maratea is 21.23 meters (~70 feet) tall, with an arm span width of 19 meters (~62 feet). The total weight of the figure is said to be around 400 tons.

It is not larger than Rio’s version of the statue and continues to be surpassed in size by new Christ statues popping up all over the world every few years. However, the masterpiece is currently the tallest statue in Italy.

Construction

The commitment to construct such a wonder was made in 1957. It was decided to leave the project in the hands of Bruno Innocenti, the artist, and Luigi Musumeci, the engineer. The assembly of Maratea’s Christ the Redeemer statue was completed in 1965, more than 30 years after the statue in Rio de Janeiro was finished in 1931.

Features

In contrast to the most prominent representation of Jesus, the statue in Maratea depicts Christ in a youthful form. The artist illustrated the statue with a young face, short hair, and a barely visible beard, which is the opposite of the image that most of us may be familiar with.

The statue’s orientation is also noteworthy, as it was built facing the Basilica of San Biagio. As the front of the statue is positioned inland, it is a symbol of Christ watching over the town and coming towards the people rather than looking out at sea.

👍 You May Like: Best Coastal Towns in Calabria

How to Visit the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Maratea

By Plane

There are three different major airports closest to Maratea. First, there is Bari Airport located in the region of Puglia, which is 3.5 hours away by car. If you’re not keen on the long drive time, consider flying into Naples Airport or Lamezia Terme International Airport in Calabria instead. Both of these alternative airports are only 2.5 hours away from Maratea by car.

Alternatively, and for those on a budget, the cheapest flights you’ll likely find are any routes that land in Rome. Of course, Rome is a bit further away, but you can still easily arrive in Maratea, whether it be by car or train.

Getting to Maratea from Rome or Naples

Without a car, you can efficiently get to Maratea from Rome or Naples by train. The journey from Napoli Centrale to Maratea is as quick as two hours with zero transfers.

Hopping on the train to Maratea from Rome is slightly more complex but still manageable. The majority of the routes will require a change in Naples, and the entire trip will likely take around four hours.

FAQs: Visiting Maratea’s Christ the Redeemer Statue

Is Italy’s Christ the Redeemer statue free to visit?

Entering the complex where the statue is located is completely free for all visitors. This is the case for most religious landmarks in Italy, which rarely charge any sort of fee. You can tour and marvel at the statue, enjoy the panoramic viewpoint, and enter the church atop the hill for free.

However, getting to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Maratea is a different matter.

👍 You May Like: How to Plan a Budget Trip to Italy

Is there a parking lot for the Christ the Redeemer statue in Maratea?

You can drive up the majority of the mountain on which the statue is perched. But unless you are visiting at sunrise, the last parking lot open to visitors is located here. During normal daytime visiting hours, this is the furthest you can get by car. The statue is officially open 24 hours a day.

Whether the parking lot is paid or not is, unfortunately, a bit of a gray area. We visited during the month of July (peak season), and parking was free. At the parking lot booth, there was an employee who did not request any money for parking.

The reviews on Google Maps about the parking lot being paid are mixed, so we’re not sure if we just got lucky or if everyone should expect to pay. This experience wonderfully sums up what parking is like in much of southern Italy – you never know!

✍🏼 You May Like: Driving Tips for Southern Italy

Do you have to walk in order to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue?

From the last parking lot located beneath the statue, you have the option to purchase a ticket for a minibus ride to the actual statue. The shuttle operates regularly and during the time of our visit, it cost €1 per person for a round trip up to the top and back down to your car.

Opting for the short shuttle ride saves you about 15 minutes compared to if you were to walk along the road to get to the statue. It’s a bit of a climb with zero shade and is not recommended if you’re visiting during a hot summer day.

We saw a handful of people choose to walk 100% of the way to the Christ the Redeemer statue, starting in the town of Maratea. The hike is over 5 km (one way) but is packed with beautiful views of the coastline and towns below as you ascend.

Can you visit the Christ the Redeemer statue with kids?

Given that you can reach such a challenging location without essentially any hiking, this site is very suitable for visiting with kids. It’s easily accessible, almost free, and includes a rollercoaster-like bus ride to the top. Before the actual statue, there are also a few shops that are convenient places to grab an ice cream, beverages or use the bathroom.

Surrounding the statue, there is a stone wall to help protect your children from falling over the edge of the mountain. The panoramic viewpoint is also a stellar location to snap some family vacation photos.

Important tip: If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, we wouldn’t recommend lugging a stroller with you. The path that leads to the Christ the Redeemer statue has several steps and is not ideal for stroller use.

👍 You May Like: Things to Do in Naples With Kids

Where to Stay in Maratea

The town of Maratea is a bit spread out and covers both hillside and coastal real estate. As far as beach destinations in Italy go, Maratea has preserved its hidden gem status, which makes it all the more appealing.

Accommodation in Maratea ranges from a few luxury 5-star resorts, surrounded by the more common local guesthouses.

Santavenere Hotel: Best 5-star Hotel

B&B Mariposa: Best Charming B&B Experience

Il Vecchio e Il Mare Maratea: Best Value

Travel Resources for Maratea, Italy

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator