Cristo Redentore Statue

Without a doubt, the defining feature of Maratea is the towering statue of Christ up on the pinnacle high above the sea. It is, of course, reminiscent of the taller one above Rio de Janeiro. But, as they point out around here, Rio’s is set on a tall base that ups its height, like platform shoes. Installed in 1965, Il Redentore has his arms outstretched towards the land (embracing the people) with his back to the sea. Do I even have to mention the massive views you’ll get up there? It is on Monte San Biagio, and just getting there is an adventure in itself.

The road to reach the lofty site is itself a feat of engineering with its cantilevered curves. It’s panoramic, but who can peel their eyes off the suspended roadway to look? You may even want to duck inside the Basilica of San Biagio to say a prayer of thanks at surviving the hair-raising road. Even if your courage didn’t waver, you’ll want to visit the basilica, because out of Maratea’s 44 churches, this is the one considered most important, as far as the Marateoti are concerned. You see, San Biagio (St. Blaise) is the city’s patron saint.

Walk out to the lofty landmark and around it, for the jaw-dropping views. From here you can see three Italian regions in one sweep of the head – from Campania to the north, the Basilicata coast, and on down to Calabria. The folds of the landscape, the incredible deep color of the water and green mountains behind, the clouds skidding by, and Christ right there with you – you’ll think you’re in heaven.

Below the statue is the original hamlet of Maratea Superiore, now a ghost town, but fascinating and beautiful in its disrepair. Take a stroll along the cobbled streets amidst the crumbling stone homes. A path connects it to the town below, so walkers can enjoy a panoramic hike rather than driving. If you don’t have a car, there are shuttle buses from the various sections of Maratea to reach Castello/Redentore.

Special thanks to Valerie Fortney who graciously allowed us to reprint the information from a chapter in her excellent guidebook, 52 Things to See and Do in Basilicata. The guide book 52 Things to See and Do in Basilicata, published in 2020 and updated in 2023. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author. We thank the author for permission to reprint this portion.