Europe’s Tallest Statue of the Virgin Mary Unveiled in Polish Village

Poland, August 17, 2026: A 55.6-metre statue of the Virgin Mary was inaugurated and blessed on August 15 in the Polish village of Konotopie, becoming the tallest Marian statue in Europe. The ceremony took place on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and drew hundreds of people to the small community in central Poland.

Known as a representation of Our Lady of Mercy, the monument rises above Konotopie and is constructed from concrete and steel. Its total height includes a 15-metre crown-shaped pedestal, while the Marian figure itself stands at more than 40 metres. A viewing platform has also been incorporated into the structure.

The monument is now regarded as the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary in Europe and the second tallest Marian statue in the world. It is surpassed by the approximately 98-metre Mother of All Asia monument in the Philippines.

The inauguration included the celebration of Mass, traditional Polish music and other ceremonial events. Bishop Krzysztof Wętkowski took part in the blessing of the statue, which is intended to serve as a place of prayer as well as a destination for pilgrims and visitors.

The statue was commissioned and financed by Polish entrepreneurs Roman and Grażyna Karkosik, who have described the project as an expression of gratitude to God. Local authorities hope the monument will attract pilgrims and tourists to the area.

The new monument also adds to Poland’s collection of large-scale Christian statues. The country is home to the well-known Christ the King statue in Świebodzin, which, including its mound, reaches approximately 52 metres. The new Marian monument exceeds that height as well as the overall height of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue.

The inauguration on the Feast of the Assumption places the monument within one of the Catholic Church’s major Marian celebrations, when Catholics around the world honour Mary’s assumption into heavenly glory.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Image courtesy: The Guardian