Tallest statues in the world.

The World's 10 Tallest Statues

All around the world, statues have been built since antiquity. In addition to serving as a constant reminder of the planet's past, present, and potential future, statues are essential for advancing the tourism sector. Many of these taller statues are either representations of famous people or are connected to significant historical events. These statues are tall enough to serve as the main attractions in the city they are situated. The following article discusses the top ten tallest statues in the world.

1. Statue Of Unity - 182m

statue of unity India
Statue of Unity in India. Editorial credit: Sagittarius Pro / Shutterstock.com

The Statue of Unity, having a height of 182m, is the tallest statue in the world. Located in Gujarat, India, the colossal statue is placed on Sadhu Bet – a river island situated about 3.2km away from the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River. The statue depicts Vallabhbhai Patel, a well-known Indian statesman and a leader of India's Independence movement. Vallabhbhai Patel also served as Independent India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Designed by famous Indian sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, the statue was constructed by an Indian company named Larsen & Toubro Ltd. The Statue of Unity was formally unveiled on October 31, 2018, commemorating Patel's 143rd birth anniversary.

2. Spring Temple, Buddha - 128m

Spring Temple, Buddha
Spring Temple, Buddha. 

The Spring Temple Buddha having a height of 128m, is the world's second-tallest statue. This colossal statue is situated within the Fodushan Scenic Area in Lushan County's Zhaocun township in the Henan Province of the People's Republic of China. The statue depicts Vairocana Buddha and has been named after the adjacent Tianrui hot spring, whose water is well-known for its curative properties. The statue's construction was completed on September 1, 2008. 

3. Laykyun Sekkya - 115.8m

Laykyun Sekkya in Monywa, Myanmar
Laykyun Sekkya in Monywa, Myanmar. 

The Laykyun Sekkya Buddha having a height of 115.8m, is the world’s third-tallest statue. This colossal statue is situated in the Khatakan Taung village, close to the city of Monywa in the Sagaing Region of Myanmar. The Laykyun Sekkya statue depicts a standing Gautama Buddha beside a reclining statue of Buddha. The statue’s construction was completed on February 21, 2008.

4. Ushiku Daibutsu - 100m

Full view of the Great Buddha of Ushiku, Japan.
Full view of the Great Buddha of Ushiku, Japan. Editorial credit: Joaquin Ossorio Castillo / Shutterstock.com

Ushiku Daibutsu having a height of 100m, is the world’s fourth-tallest statue. This bronze statue is situated in the city of Ushiku in the Ibaraki Prefecture of Japan. The statue depicts Amitabha Buddha and was built to commemorate the birth of the Japanese Buddhist monk named Shinran, who was the founder of Shin Buddhism. The statue’s construction was completed in 1993. 

5. Sendai Daikannon - 100m

A view of Sendai Daikannon in Sendai city, Japan
A view of Sendai Daikannon in Sendai city, Japan. Image Credit: Hideyuki KAMON from Takarazuka via Wikimedia Commons

Sendai Daikannon having a height of 100m, is the world’s fifth-tallest statue. This statue is situated in the city of Sendai in the Miyagi Prefecture of Japan. The statue depicts Bodhisattva Kannon, who is also known as Byakue Kannon and is seen holding a “Chintamani gem” in her hand. The statue's construction was completed in 1991.

6. Guishan Guanyin - 99m

Guishan Guanyin in China
Guishan Guanyin in China. Image Credit: Alexandre Afanassiev via Wikimedia Commons

Guishan Guanyin having a height of 99m, is the world's sixth-tallest statue. This gilded bronze statue is situated in the Miyin Temple in the city of Ningxiang in the Weishan Township in the Hunan Province of the People's Republic of China. The statue depicts Shiyimian Qianshou Guanyin, also known as the "Eleven-headed thousand-armed Guanyin," a manifestation of the Bodhisattva Guanyin. The statue's construction was completed in 2009. 

7. Great Buddha of Thailand - 92m

Great Buddha of Thailand
Great Buddha of Thailand. 

The Great Buddha of Thailand, having a height of 92m, is the world’s seventh-tallest statue. This concrete statue is situated in the Wat Muang Temple in Wiset Chai Chan district in Ang Thong Province of Thailand. The statue depicts Buddha, who is seen seated in a posture known as the Maravijaya Attitude. The statue was built on the Wat Muang Temple’s first abbot Phra Kru Vibul Arjarakhun’s orders to commemorate Thailand’s King Bhumibol. 

8. Dai Kannon of Kita no Miyako Park – 88m

Dai Kannon of Kita no Miyako park
Dai Kannon of Kita no Miyako park. Editorial credit: Manuel Ascanio / Shutterstock.com

Also referred to as the Hokkaido Kannon, the Dai Kannon of Kita no Miyako park, having a height of 88m, is the world’s eighth tallest statue. This huge statue is situated on Hokkaido Island in the Kita no Miyako Park in the city of Ashibetsu in Japan. The statue depicts Guanyin/Avalokitesvara, and its construction was completed in 1989.

    9. Motherland Calls – 85m

    Aerial view of the "Motherland Calls" statue in Volgograd, Russia
    Aerial view of the "Motherland Calls" statue in Volgograd, Russia. Editorial credit: Oleg Dimitrov / Shutterstock.com

    The Motherland Calls statue having a height of 85m, is the world’s ninth tallest statue and the tallest statue in Europe. The statue is placed on the hill of Mamayev Kurgan in the city of Volgograd in Russia. This statue was designed in the Socialist realism style by well-known Soviet sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich along with the noted structural engineer Nikolai Nikitin. The statue serves as a visual representation of the Motherland and is dedicated to the “Heroes of the Battle Of Stalingrad.”

    10. Awaji Kannon – 80m

    Awaji Kannon, Japan
    Awaji Kannon, Japan. Editorial credit: Go_Legacy / Shutterstock.com

    Awaji Kannon having a height of 80m, is the world’s tenth tallest statue. The statue is situated on Awaji Island in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan. The statue is dedicated to Kannon/Avalokitesvara. The statue’s construction was completed in 1982. It is to be noted that the statue has been scheduled to be demolished by the end of 2022. 

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