Christ of the Abyss
Snorkel the warm, clear waters of the vibrant sea garden that is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and you may come across a surprising sight: a large statue of Jesus 25 feet underwater. Christ of the Abyss is located off the coast of Key Largo in the Florida Keys and is one of the most famous dive sites in the world. His hands are raised toward the heavens in a show of peace, and if you can hold your breath long enough, you’ll find a plaque at the base that reads, “If I take the wings of the morning / And swell in the uttermost parts of the sea, / Even there your hand will lead me / and your right hand hold me fast” (Psalm 139:9).
The statue, which is submerged more than 15 meters (50 feet) deep, was made in 1954 at the request of Italian diver Duilio Marcante, who wanted to pay tribute to fellow diver Dario Gonzatti. Gonzatti, who was the first diver to employ scuba equipment, sadly perished in a diving accident there in 1947. Similar to the Rio monument, this underwater Christ has inspired a number of copies, with the most well-known being the American replica, which was erected in 1965 off the shore of Key Largo, Florida.
Location: the coast of Key Largo, Florida, US
Architect: Guido Galletti
