The statue is based on the 'Virgin of Quito' sculpture housed in the San Francisco Church.
It is the tallest statue in Ecuador and one of the highest in South America.
The aluminum pieces were transported from Spain to Quito and assembled on-site like a giant puzzle.
The Virgin is depicted with a crown of twelve stars, representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
The monument serves as a distinct landmark that separates the colonial historic center from the southern part of the city.
Despite its height, the statue weighs approximately 120 tons.
The Virgin of the Panecillo is a 41-meter-tall aluminum statue depicting the Virgin Mary standing atop a globe and crushing a serpent. Located on the summit of El Panecillo hill in Quito, it is composed of 7,400 individual pieces of aluminum. Completed in 1975, the statue was designed by Spanish artist Agustín de la Herrán Matorras, inspired by Bernardo de Legarda's 18th-century sculpture. It is unique for featuring the Virgin Mary with wings, a rare artistic choice influenced by the Apocalypse. The base of the monument contains an internal museum accessible to visitors. The site sits at an elevation of 3,016 meters above sea level. It remains one of the tallest aluminum sculptures in the world. The surrounding observation deck provides a 360-degree panorama of Quito's historic center and the surrounding Andean volcanoes.
The observation balcony surrounding the base of the statue offers the best angle for a full-body shot.
Dress in layers, as the high altitude leads to significant temperature drops and strong winds at the summit.
Visit on a clear day to ensure visibility of the Cotopaxi and Cayambe volcanoes in the distance.
Limit your time at the top if you are not yet acclimated to the altitude to avoid lightheadedness.
Do not attempt to walk up the hill on foot from the city center, as the surrounding neighborhood can be unsafe for pedestrians.
Maintain a respectful tone inside the internal museum; modest clothing is recommended.
