El Cerro de Cubilete (Cubilete Hill) is located 15km west of the city of Guanajuato in the heartland of Mexico, a region known as the Bajio. At 2,579m (8,460 feet), Cubilete Hill is the highest mountain in Guanajuato state and thought to be located at the exact geographic center of Mexico.
Marvel at the towering Cristo Rey (Christ the King) statue, a 20m (65 feet) monumental sculpture, religious site and museum situated atop the summit of Cubilete Hill, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. The statue faces the city of Leon and can be seen for miles.
Erected in 1950, the bronze Christ the King (Cristo Rey) statue is one of the most historically important religious shrines in Mexico. It replaces a smaller statue that originally occupied the same spot atop the hill and was destroyed during the Cristeros War, an uprising against the Mexican government over anti-Catholic provisions added to the Mexican constitution during the first half of the 20th century.
Christ King Statue (photo: pinterest)
Today, the Christ the King statue is a favorite Guanajuato attraction. Its history and location at the heart of the country hold significant importance for the people of Mexico and each year in early January thousands of people make the pilgrimage to the shrine to celebrate the Epiphany.
The statue represents the figure of Jesus standing with his arms outstretched and an angel at either side, one holding a crown of thorns and the other a royal crown. The spherical building that serves as the base of the statue was built in art deco style and houses a circular altar.
Cerro del cubilete (photo: turiclick)
A visit to Cubilete Hill is just one of many things to do in Guanajuato. Feeling adventurous? Enjoy spectacular bird’s eye views of the surrounding Guanajuato valley while paragliding or stay closer to the ground and explore the picturesque region on a mountain bike.
Source: VisitMexico
