La Virgen del Panecillo, Quito

The Virgin of El Panecillo is a monumental statue located on the top of El Panecillo hill in Quito. The hill's unique shape, resembling a loaf, is a prominent feature in the city's historic center, making it an ideal location for the statue. The monument, also known as the Virgin of Quito, was inspired by a 48-inch-tall wooden sculpture of the same name created by Bernardo de Legarda in 1734.

The statue was designed and constructed by Spanish sculptor Agustín de la Herrán Matorras, who used 7,400 pieces of aluminum in the process. Each piece was numbered, and the statue was built in parts before being shipped to Ecuador and assembled atop its base. The monument was completed on March 28, 1975, and it stands at an impressive 135 feet (41 meters) including its base, making it the tallest statue in Ecuador and one of the tallest in South America. The Virgin of El Panecillo is even taller than the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The statue's location on El Panecillo hill provides a spectacular panoramic view of Quito, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can climb the stairs to reach the statue's base and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The monument's size and prominent location make it an iconic symbol of Quito, and it is a must-see attraction for those visiting the city.

In addition to its impressive size and location, the Virgin of El Panecillo is also noteworthy for being the tallest aluminum statue in the world. The use of aluminum in the statue's construction was a revolutionary idea at the time, and it set a new standard for monumental sculpture.