© T. Humpage
© P.Williamson
© T. Humpage
© T. Humpage
Sacred Heart of Jesus Monument, Monte Cristo
Beautiful monument on a hilltop outside of Ibiza Town
Standing at 23 metres in height this impressive monument sits nestled amongst the trees in the small residential village of Monte Cristo just 3.5km to the north of Ibiza Town.
Constructed in 1947, under the instruction of Antonio Cardona Riera (Bishop of Ibiza between 1959 & 1969) it was built to commemorate and give thanks to the local population for giving sanctuary and a place of hiding to Antonio Cardona Riera, known on the island as Frit, during the Spanish Civil War. The late summer of 1936 saw a period of time during the conflict when Ibiza churches had become a target of hate and were set alight and priests were being killed.
The views from this vantage point are great, looking back over the coast to Ibiza Town and the Dalt Vila. It is a very tranquil place and a beautiful spot to relax away from the crowds. Although you might find yourself crowded by the infamous Ibiza cats!
Worth knowing
The statue was carved and sculpted by the Valecian sculptor Antoni Sanjuan and somewhat resembles the famous statue of christ in Rio de Janeiro.
Directions
The monument itself is not easy to find, but it is worth persevering and getting the chance to experience a different side of Ibiza island. By car travelling from Ibiza town, take the main road to Sant Antoni then take the right turning eastwards towards the industrial zone after the large supermarket. Keep driving straight ahead and uphill. After a short distance turn sharp right again (almost back on yourself) along a small lane to the car park just below the monument.
