The boat held by the Virgin is a functioning viewing deck that can accommodate several people at once.
Antonio Palacios, the sculptor, is also famous for designing several landmark stations of the Madrid Metro.
The monument was funded primarily through public donations gathered by the local community.
The statue is oriented towards the sea to serve as a visual landmark for sailors entering the bay.
The interior staircase was renovated in the early 21st century to improve safety for visitors.
The granite used for the construction is specific to the geological formation of the Galicia region.
Virxe da Rocha is a 15-meter-tall granite sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding a boat in her right hand, located on the Monte do Boi in Baiona, Spain. Designed by architect Antonio Palacios, the monument was inaugurated in 1930. The interior of the structure contains a metal staircase that leads to a viewing platform within the boat held by the Virgin. The sculpture is constructed from granite blocks sourced from local quarries. It faces the Atlantic Ocean, specifically positioned to overlook the Cíes Islands and the bay of Baiona. The monument commemorates the historic arrival of the caravel La Pinta in Baiona in 1493, marking the first news of the discovery of America in Europe.
From the trail path directly below the monument looking up to capture the scale against the ocean horizon.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the path leading up to the monument involves uneven terrain.
Bring a windbreaker, as the coastal location on the hilltop is often exposed to strong Atlantic gusts.
Visit during low tide if you plan to walk along the nearby rocky coastal paths after seeing the monument.
Attempting to climb the exterior of the granite base; only use the authorized interior staircase.
The internal staircase access may be restricted during extreme weather conditions such as high winds.
