Towering over the picturesque island of Gozo, the statue of The Risen Christ stands as a powerful symbol of faith, hope, and resilience. Perched on Tal-Merzuq Hill, more commonly known as Tas-Salvatur Hill, this six-meter-high figure of Jesus Christ stretches out his arms in an embrace, watching over the island and its people. At 320 feet above sea level, this beloved landmark offers not only spiritual significance but also breathtaking views of Gozo’s coastline and countryside.

The history of this iconic statue dates back to 1901, when a simple wooden cross was placed on the hilltop by local farmers. This cross served as a beacon of hope and protection for Marsalforn’s fishermen. In 1904, it was replaced by a stone statue of Jesus carrying a cross, sculpted by Liberat Borg from Birgu. According to local legend, the hill itself has deep spiritual roots — some stories speak of divine light emanating from the peak after three days of darkness, while others suggest the area was once mistaken for a dormant volcano due to smoke-like mists rising from the summit.

In 1960, renowned Gozitan sculptor Chev. Wistin Camilleri created a new concrete statue of Christ, but tragedy struck in 1973 when lightning destroyed the figure during a fierce thunderstorm. The mount remained empty until the late 1970s, when the current statue was erected. This version, modelled and cast by local artist and teacher Carmel Grech, was inspired by his young nephew Mario – who served as the Bishop of Gozo from 2005 to 2019.

The construction of the present statue was a remarkable feat of engineering. Due to the steep and uneven terrain, cranes and helicopters couldn’t be used for its installation. Instead, the statue’s outer shell was divided into six parts, assembled on a pedestal, and filled with concrete to form a single solid structure.

Today, the statue of The Risen Christ continues to be an essential geographical and spiritual landmark. Recent restorations have included weatherproofing, solar lighting, and repairs to damage caused by a lightning strike.

Visitors who make the challenging climb up Tas-Salvatur Hill are rewarded with serenity, incredible views, and a close-up experience of this awe-inspiring monument.

Have you ever climbed up to the top of the Tas-Salvatur Hill?