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Temples #1 in Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte

Santuário de Santa Rita de Cássia

4.9 · 2,232 reviews
A place of religious reflection and panoramic observation
Santuário de Santa Rita de Cássia - Santuário de Santa Rita de Cássia, s/n, Santa Cruz - RN, 59200-000, Brazil
Interesting facts
1

The statue stands 56 meters tall, making it higher than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.

2

The monument is constructed of concrete and weighs approximately 5,000 tons.

3

The statue's face was designed by sculptor Alexandre Azedo Lacerda.

4

The interior of the statue is hollow and includes a staircase leading to a viewing gallery.

5

Santa Cruz was chosen for the site because Saint Rita is the patron saint of the city.

6

The site hosts a major annual pilgrimage festival every May 22nd.

Overview

The Santuário de Santa Rita de Cássia features the tallest statue of a saint in the world, standing at 56 meters high. Located in Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte, the concrete monument depicts Saint Rita of Cascia holding a crucifix and a palm leaf. It sits atop the Morro da Santa, providing a panoramic view of the Trairi region. The site serves as a significant pilgrimage destination for Catholic devotees. The complex includes a chapel located at the base of the statue. The structure was inaugurated in 2010 to boost religious tourism in the interior of the state. Visitors reach the monument via a paved access road leading to the summit of the hill.

Photo spot

The viewing platform at the base of the statue offers the best perspective for full-body shots and valley vistas.

Insider tips

Bring ample sun protection and water, as there is little shade on the summit.

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat and glare.

Ensure your camera has a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of the statue from the base.

What to avoid

Attempting to climb the hill on foot during the hottest hours of the day.

Etiquette

Modest dress is recommended; avoid beachwear out of respect for the religious nature of the sanctuary.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and optimal lighting for photography.
Address
Santuário de Santa Rita de Cássia - Santuário de Santa Rita de Cássia, s/n, Santa Cruz - RN, 59200-000, Brazil
-6.240, -36.021
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleModernist concrete sculpture
Key Feature56-meter tall statue of Saint Rita of Cascia

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and optimal lighting for photography..

The viewing platform at the base of the statue offers the best perspective for full-body shots and valley vistas.

Close by you'll find Parish of Saint Rita de Cássia, Prefeitura Municipal de Santa Cruz/RN, Praça Pedro Severino Bezerra.

Brazil

About Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte