Cristo del Otero

On the outskirts of Palencia, Spain, sits this awkwardly placed figure of Jesus, who is wearing a sad, almost depressing expression. His posture and height of almost 70 feet give the impression that he is there to bless and overlook the city below. At the base of the statue are a tiny church and museum that house works by the architect Victorio Macho, who is also interred there.

Although it shares some similarities with the Rio Cristo, which was constructed a few years prior, in terms of design, its hollow eyes and thin face give it a more maudlin appearance than its Brazilian counterpart. According to local legend, the eyes were initially supposed to be made of ivory and marble, but there was a financial problem. Instead of having its arms outstretched wide like many other Christ statues, this one holds its hands forward in a serene, almost submissive stance. Nevertheless, despite its outward humility, at 21 meters (69 feet) tall, it is still one of the biggest Christ statues in the world.

Location: Palencia, Spain
Architect: Victorio Macho