The Bunda Maria Assumpta statue is one of the tallest outdoor Virgin Mary statues in Indonesia, reaching a height of 42 meters.
The complex was established in 1954 to provide a place for prayer for local Catholic communities.
The site features a specific garden area modeled after the landscape of Lourdes, France.
The statue of the Virgin Mary was designed and constructed by local artists and engineers from Yogyakarta.
The entire complex is situated on a former coffee plantation site.
Gua Maria Kerep Ambarawa is a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site in Central Java featuring a notable 42-meter-high statue of the Virgin Mary, known as Bunda Maria Assumpta. The complex spans approximately 5 hectares and includes a replica of the original Lourdes Grotto in France. Visitors follow a 'Way of the Cross' path decorated with life-sized stone sculptures depicting the Passion of Christ. The site functions as a place of prayer and meditation for Indonesian Catholics. It is located at the foot of Mount Telomoyo and Mount Merbabu, providing a mountainous backdrop. The grounds contain manicured gardens, prayer stations, and a modern chapel structure. The facility is fully operational and open to the public as of June 2026.
The elevated vantage point facing the Bunda Maria Assumpta statue provides the best alignment for capturing the full scale of the monument.
Bring a portable umbrella or hat as the complex features large open areas with limited shade.
Walk the entire Stations of the Cross path to experience the full scale of the garden sculptures.
Visit during the early morning to avoid the strongest heat and mid-day crowds.
Avoid visiting during major Catholic holidays if you prefer solitude, as the site becomes extremely crowded with thousands of pilgrims.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required; maintain silence in prayer areas.
