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New World Statue: Puerto Rico's Towering 362-Foot Christopher Columbus Monument in Arecibo

Puerto Rico's most striking and controversial landmark, this 362-foot (110-meter) statue depicts Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón) sailing toward the Americas. Crafted by renowned Russian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, it remains partially unfinished as of 2019 but has been Arecibo's top attraction since appearing on the skyline in 2012.

The tallest statue in North America and Puerto Rico's highest structure, it rises on a lush hill overlooking pristine beaches and mangrove forests—a pristine area planned for TerraVista Park, an adventure complex featuring the statue as its centerpiece. Construction halted after Hurricane Maria in September 2017.

Climb to the midway viewing gallery and picture future visitors discovering this tranquil haven.

Debate swirls around its ironies: proximity to a sacred Taíno ceremonial site devastated by Columbus's arrival; multimillion-dollar costs on a debt-burdened island; and environmental risks in this sensitive ecosystem.

Love it or loathe it, the statue's masterful craftsmanship has sparked a renaissance along this coastline.

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