Statue of Christ, Garajau - Madeira Pictures History Gallery

On the headland, Ponta do Garajau, with outstretched arms is a huge statue of Christ. Erected in 1927, the statue looks out towards the sea some 200 metres below. It is Garajau's best known landmark and is similar to the larger statues in Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro. Being one of the main tourist attraction in Garajau, the statue of Christ is well lit at night.

The Statue of Jesus Christ, Garajau Madeira

The statue was inaugurated on Sunday, 30th October 1927. Counsellor Ayres Ornelas and his wife, D. Maria de Jesus de Sousa Holatein de Ornelas, were responsible for the funding of the monument. The ceremony included music played by the Municipal Band, the Band of Camara de Lobos and the Band of Santa Cruz.

The dignitaries present, and occupying a position of importance on the terrace surrounding the sculpture, included: The Lord Bishop of Funchal; Captain Jaime Leal, representing the Military Governor; Captain Abel Magno de Vasconcelos, president of the General Board and Mrs D. Maria Joao Zarco representing the city of Ribeiro. The mass was celebrated by the Vicar of Caniço.

The crowd attending were reported to fall totally silent as Counsellor Ayres Ornelas stepped forward to make the main speech of the ceremony. He is said to have spoken with a vibrant, strong and heart-felt voice. He spoke of Pope Pious XI's condemnation of secularism; the Royalty of Christ that could not be abolished and the Feast of Christ the King that we celebrate everyday to the Kingdom of God. Counsellor Ayres Ornelas then went on to say that this monument, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was promised by his wife and himself during a most difficult crisis in their lives. It is not said what that crisis involved. He also hoped that this monument, devoted to the Sacred Heart, would help to maintain the faith of the Madeiran People.

The mayor also spoke and there then followed a blessing of the statue with a cup of holy water. There was said to be a bustle of photographers and cinematic operators present to record the event. (Source: The Diário de Notícias, the Portuguese Daily News, 1st November 1927 edition. A Portuguese language newspaper, published in Massachusetts, United States.)

The coastline is a conservation area and has recently been upgraded. Indeed, the sea off the Ponta do Garajau, the "Reserva Natural Parcial do Garajau", was one of Europe's first underwater nature reserves. Here there exists a marine sanctuary for whales, dolphins and seals.

The storms that hit Madeira's south coast in early April 2008 caused a landslip at Ponta do Garajau. As a result, access to the Praia do Garajau was restricted until suitable repairs had been undertaken.

This video gives an introduction to Garajau in Madeira (2 minutes 18 seconds). It shows some of the results of the major developments that have taken place in Garajau over the last 8 years. These improvements include new access to the statue of Christ and the pebble beach. A cable car has been installed and this provides a fast and easy way to descend the steep cliff to the pebble beach where you will find newly built changing rooms and a restaurant.