Christ of the Sacred Heart

Just south of Rosarito, a huge figure of Jesus stands guard over the Pacific surf area K38. Cristo del Sagrado Corazón (Christ of the Sacred Heart), which stands 75 feet tall, is the only significant statue of Jesus in full color; all others are white or monochrome. This 40-ton, steel and fiberglass statue, which was raised in 2006, is a behemoth.

The statue was commissioned by local Antonio Pequeño Guerrero and was designed by Tijuana sculptor Gregorio Ramirez. It was important to Pequeño Guerrero that the statue prominently display Jesus’ sacred heart, which is depicted in color on his chest and also lends itself to the name of the statue (the sacred heart is a Catholic devotion where the heart of Jesus is viewed as a symbol of God’s infinite love).

There used to be a little cross on the peak where the statue now sits, and on holy days, the community would decorate it with flowers. Pequeño Guerrero worked on getting the statue created for seven years. If you want to see the statue up close and take in the stunning vistas of the Pacific, you can drive right up to its base.

Location: Rosarito, Mexico

Architect: Tijuana Gregorio Ramire