Poland unveils Europe's tallest Virgin Mary statue in Konotopie

On August 15, 2026, the Feast of the Assumption, Poland inaugurated what is considered Europe's tallest statue of the Virgin Mary in the village of Konotopie, a community of fewer than 150 residents. The 55.6-meter monument, funded by billionaire Roman Karkosik and his wife Grażyna, surpasses Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer (38 meters) and Poland's own Christ the King in Świebodzin (52.5 meters with mound) Source: El Confidencial. Only the 98-meter Mother of All Asia in the Philippines is taller worldwide Source: Infobae.

Design and funding

The statue, designed by sculptor Adam Jakub Matejkowski and designer Aleksander Skórski, was built with approximately 2,500 cubic meters of concrete and a steel framework to withstand strong winds Source: Infobae. Its pedestal features eight crown-shaped pillars and a panoramic terrace at 15.3 meters, from which the figure of Mary with open arms begins Source: Euronews. The Karkosiks describe the monument as a "personal vow of gratitude for having recovered health and life," linked to their daughter's recovery from a serious illness Source: El Confidencial.

Ceremony and reaction

The consecration, presided by Bishop Krzysztof Wętkowski, drew thousands of faithful and included a rosary, Mass, and two helicopters dropping red rose petals Source: Euronews. Former President Lech Wałęsa, 82, attended, saying, "This is the end of my path," and "I began with the Virgin Mary and end with the Virgin Mary" Source: El Español. However, the project has sparked controversy: Karkosik recently announced layoffs of about 200 workers, nearly half the staff, at his metals factory Source: Infobae. Local authorities hope the statue will boost tourism and small businesses in the rural area Source: Infobae.