Rosarito's Christ of the Sacred Heart; A Blessing Upon the Sea
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and towering at over 75 feet tall, stands the statue of Jesus, dubbed by locals as “Christ of the Sacred Heart”. It’s an iconic landmark you can’t afford to miss on your next visit to Rosarito Beach.
Aside from its role in public health and safety, these stay-at-home periods have offered us an added degree of time for reflection. So, why not use these allotted time periods to your advantage and plan your future getaways for once the protocols are lifted?
Due to its sheer size and location, among the most famous sculptures ever erected of Jesus is the megalithic statue known as “Christ the Redeemer” at the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It stands at a jaw-dropping 98 feet, but arguably, not the tallest in the world. The sculpture “Cristo de la Concordia” or “Christ of Peace” in Bolivia rivals it at 112 feet. Similarly, in the Los Alamos district of Tijuana, a third monument called "Cristo Rey" stands at nearly 76 feet tall.
Likewise, Rosarito Beach also has its own monument known as “Christ of the Sacred Heart”. It is one of the tallest in the world and a must to include in your travel itinerary. The statue is a replica of the 75-foot tall “Sacred Heart of Jesus”, which boasts a weigh of over 40 tons.
At extraordinary proportions, the figure is securely fixed atop a concrete dome. The head, chest and arms were formed using a steel frame, while the interior was made of fiberglass.
The summit on which it stands used to feature a small crucifix, wherein local residents place flowers and similar offerings during holy days. Benefactor Antonio Pequeño Guerrero, as a gesture of gratitude, commissioned the sculpture. Pequeño Guerrero was even laid to rest nearby the landmark itself.
People with creative hands and faith-filled hearts are responsible for erecting “Christ of the Sacred Heart”. It can be located atop a peak known as El Morro at kilometer 38 (mile 23) on the Rosarito-Ensenada toll highway, neighboring the tourist resort of Las Rocas Resort & Spa.
Don’t forget to bring your camera as the site has extraordinary views of the beach, scenic coast panoramas, and access to a popular surfing destination at kilometer 38. In a parallel, surfers often attribute the quality of the waves at this point to the statue, as the arms extended toward the sea symbolizing Christ’s blessing over their waters.
The only way to reach this landmark is to use the Villas San Pedro entrance. Access to this subdivision requires authorization. The best time to visit the statue is between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
