Status of Jesus Christ found underwater to be used at Liguria 70th anniversary

Liguria

The underwater bronze statue of Jesus Christ known as the Christ of the Abyss, located in the Bay of San Fruttuoso, Liguria, Italy, has been cleaned to celebrate its 70th anniversary. The statue, situated 18 meters deep, was cleaned by divers from various organizations, including the Carabinieri, the Financial Police, and the Coast Guard.

This operation was a coordinated effort between the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for Genoa and La Spezia and the National Superintendence for Underwater Cultural Heritage.

The Christ of the Abyss was installed in 1954 by Duilio Marcante in memory of his friend, diver Dario Gonzatti. It has become a significant international symbol for divers and a memorial to those lost at sea. The statue is a popular diving and snorkeling spot, known for its unique location and the marine life surrounding it.

The cleaning operation involved the removal of algae, sponges, and mollusks from the bronze statue using pressure washers. The maintenance of the statue is considered vital, though some believe the marine growth adds to its character. The 70th anniversary celebration is a testament to the statue’s enduring significance and its role as a cultural and historical landmark.