Sanctuary on San Cristóbal Hill, Santiago

The Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception atop San Cristóbal Hill holds great significance for the Catholic Church of Chile and stands as an iconic symbol of Santiago. Perched at an elevation of 863 meters above sea level, it is distinguished by a majestic statue of the Immaculate Conception situated at the hill's summit.

This impressive statue measures 14 meters in height, resting upon an 8.3-meter pedestal and weighing a staggering 36,610 kilograms. The statue's prominence is enhanced at night by strategically placed lights, making it visible from various vantage points across Santiago, day and night.

The pedestal itself houses a small chapel where John Paul II once prayed and blessed the city on April 1, 1987. Adjacent to the statue, an amphitheater serves as a venue for masses and other religious ceremonies. Furthermore, a nearby small chapel provides a serene space for prayer.

Access to the statue can be achieved via the road linking the Santiago Metropolitan Park or through the Funicular de Santiago and the Santiago Cable Car, with its final station conveniently located near the sanctuary.

Believed to be a replica of the "Virgin of Rome," the statue's design is credited to Luigi Poletti and Giuseppe Obici. The French foundry, Val D'Osne, was entrusted with the construction of the statue by the then Chilean ambassador to France, Enrique Salvador Sanfuentes.

To maintain its immaculate state, the statue underwent a thorough cleaning and repainting in early 2012, ensuring that it continues to stand as a symbol of faith and devotion for generations to come.