Poland's tallest Virgin Mary statue in Europe to be blessed

Poland is set to inaugurate Europe's tallest statue of the Virgin Mary on August 15, when the 55.6-meter monument in Konotopie will be blessed during a Mass led by Bishop Krzysztof Wętkowski. The statue, representing Our Lady of Mercy, surpasses Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer (38.5 meters) but remains shorter than the 'Mother of All Asia – Tower of Peace' in the Philippines, which exceeds 98 meters Source: Euronews.

Construction and funding

The project, designed by sculptor Adam Jakub Matejkowski, began in 2025 and was funded by businessman Roman Karkosik and his wife Grażyna as a personal vow of gratitude. The investment cost about 100 million zlotys, equivalent to €23.5 million or USD 26.92 million Source: Euronews, Infobae.

Local impact

Konotopie, a village of around 120 residents, has already seen a surge in pilgrims and tourists, even before the official blessing. Mayor Mieczysław Grębicki noted that the monument has put the village on the map nationally and internationally, but also warned that infrastructure has not kept pace with the influx, requiring new roads, sidewalks, and traffic lights Source: Infobae.

Visitor reactions

Visitors, including Czech tourists who stopped on their way home, expressed admiration. One said, "It's a truly impressive and beautiful monument," while another added, "It's simply something incredible" Source: Euronews. The statue is visible from national road number ten, attracting passersby.