Photographs: Sebastian Rzepiel/Agencja Gazeta/Reuters
Swiebodzin, a Polish town, has officially unveiled the world's largest Jesus statue -- which surpasses the Christ the Redeemer, the famous Christ sculpture in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro -- with a mass attended by thousands in what is hoped to become a hot tourist destination.
Believers walked in a procession, singing and carrying banners, one saying "Christ King of the Universe" as they made their way to the huge statue.
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World's biggest statue of Jesus unveiled
Photographs: Sebastian Rzepiel/Agencja Gazeta/Reuters
The statue in Swiebodzin measures 33 metres in height and sits atop a 17-metre mount.
It was built from private donations and designed by Sylwester Zawadzki, a local priest.
It was built from private donations and designed by Sylwester Zawadzki, a local priest.
World's biggest statue of Jesus unveiled
Photographs: Sebastian Rzepiel/Agencja Gazeta/Reuters
Thousands gathered on Sunday at the statue waving Polish and European Union flags.
Organisers said some 20,000 people, including tourists from around the world, were in attendance.
Organisers said some 20,000 people, including tourists from around the world, were in attendance.
World's biggest statue of Jesus unveiled
Photographs: Sebastian Rzepiel/Agencja Gazeta/Reuters
The statue has stirred controversy with some claiming it will attract tourists to the small town.
Others have called the statue kitsch or an embarrassment for the country.
Image: Priests arrive to celebrate the unveiling of the statue of Jesus in Swiebodzin
Click on MORE for more PHOTOS of the statue...
Others have called the statue kitsch or an embarrassment for the country.
Image: Priests arrive to celebrate the unveiling of the statue of Jesus in Swiebodzin
Click on MORE for more PHOTOS of the statue...
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