Cristo Blanco (White Christ), Cusco

The White Christ (Cristo Blanco) is a notable monument in Cusco. Situated atop Pukamuqu Hill, approximately 5 kilometers from the historic center of Cusco, the statue is positioned as both a scenic viewpoint and a symbolic protector overlooking the city. Standing 8 meters tall, this impressive statue is made from granite covered in marble and plaster. It portrays Jesus Christ with arms outstretched, a gesture symbolizing protection over the city.

The monument is located near the Sacsayhuaman fortress and has become an integral part of Cusco’s monumental zone, which was declared a Historical Monument of Peru in 1972 and is within the central area recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1983.

Erected in 1945, White Christ was a gift from the Christian Palestine Arab Community, who settled in Cusco from Argentina after World War II. Grateful for their warm reception in Cusco and successful in commerce, they funded the construction of the statue to express their gratitude. The community collaborated with Francisco Olaza Allende, a renowned local artist, and the artisans of the San Blas neighborhood to create this iconic figure. The foundation stone was laid on June 24, 1944, and the statue was completed the following year.

The statue also holds a deeper historical significance due to its location on "Puca Moqo" (Red Mountain), a site once revered by the Incas and associated with Pachamama (Mother Earth), making it a culturally important site. Today, visitors can access White Christ for free, often choosing to arrive via the popular ‘mirabus’ route, enhancing their experience of this monumental protector of Cusco.