Monte Saccarello

The Christ Statue "Il Redentore " on Monte Saccarello

The Monte Saccarello is the highest mountain in the Italian region of Liguria. It lies directly on the border with France, the 2201 meter high peak is already part of the Alpes - Maritimes.

The mountain can be approached via an approximately two-kilometer long road that ends just below the summit. It branches off from the Ligurian border ridge road.

On the mountain are the famous Redeemer statue and a small chapel.

Redeemer Statue

In 2164 meters altitude is the almost 10 -meter high statue of the Messiah Il Cristo Redentore ("Christ the Redeemer " ) or short- Il Redentore ( " The Savior "). You should protect Liguria and the surrounding valleys.

Pope Leo XIII. decided with the Encyclical of 25 May 1899 to dedicate the Holy Year 1900 the Heart of Jesus. This should be built on twenty peaks of Italy Redeemer statues. In the region of Liguria, the Monte Saccarello suitable addition to its sheer volume, because of the proximity to the border of France.

The statue was cast by the architect Giovanni Pachiaudi in Paris. She was taken by train to Ormea the Tanaro and transported from there with the help of the military to its present location. The statue was inaugurated with an exhibition on 15 September 1901. The dedication ceremony A Protezione della Liguria et delle Valli Sottostanti ( For the protection of Liguria and the surrounding valleys ) was attended by over 6000 people.

"Il Redentore " is one of the few planned by the 20 statues that have been erected and are preserved to this day.

Remote / distance trails

About the summit of Mount Saccarello extend the distance trails Alta Via dei Monti Ligurian and Via Alpina.