On the 24 July the Western Cape government and the city of Cape Town, unveiled a bronze statue of Nelson Mandela on the Cape Town City Hall balcony.
The statue has been placed on the balcony where Nelson Mandela stood when he gave his first address on 11 February 1990. The global icon’s life was commemorated in the month of July, as former President Nelson Mandela would have turned 100 this year. Although July has come and gone, the statue remains for all to see as a continuous reminder of the great man.
This eminent statue is one of many, however. Here’s a look at some iconic statues from around the world, which have formed an important part of culture and history.
1. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Where: Rio de Janeiro
I don’t know of anyone who goes to Rio de Janeiro and doesn’t go snap a selfie alongside Christ the Redeemer statue. The statue is one of Rio’s largest and most recognisable landmarks on Mount Corcovado. The statue was completed in 1931 and stands at 30 metres tall.
2. Statue of Liberty, United States of America
Where: New York City
Over four million people visit the Statue of Liberty a year. The Statue of Liberty is known as the universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated in October 1886 and declared a national monument in 1924.
Image supplied
3. Statue of Mandela, South Africa
Where: Pretoria
A smiling Mandela, with his arms stretched out and his hands open, as if to embrace the nation is reflected in this statue. It’s a reminder of the values that Madiba stood for: a spirit of compassion, reconciliation and unity. Situated at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where Mandela was inaugurated in 1994 as South Africa’s first democratic president, the staue is 9 metres tall.
Image by Tyson Jopson
4. The Little Mermaid, Denmark
Where: Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid, is one of the most photographed attractions in Denmark. Since 1913 when the statue was erected, it has endured three head losses, an arm loss and has been covered in paint five times, yet it still remains.
Image supplied
5. Ushikhu Daibutsu, Japan
Where: Ibaraki Prefecture
This is one of the tallest Buddha statues standing at 120 metres tall. The statue was built in 1993 and visitors can ride up the elevator to the viewing gallery.
6. Angel of Independence, Mexico
Where: Mexico City
This gold winged statue of Victoria, the ancient Roman goddess of victory hovers over traffic and tourists in Mexico City. This statue was commemorated in 1910.
Image supplied
7. Cristo Rei, Portugal
Where: Almada
Christo Rei was inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer. Standing at 80 metres high, the statue was erected in 1959 and is deemed one of Lisbon’s iconic monuments.
Image supplied
8. Maligawila Bhudda statue, Sri Lanka
Where: Maligawila
The Maligawila Bhudda Statue is one of the tallest free-standing statue of Buddha in Sri Lanka. The 14 metre statue dates back to 7th century BC.
Image supplied
9. Statue of Millicent Fawcett, United Kingdom
Where: London
This could be one of my favourite statues ever, because of the power it holds. The statue, is of Millicent Fawcett, a suffragist who fought for women’s right to vote in the early 20th century, the statue is placed among 11 male statues in the Parliament square.
10. Atlas, United States of America
Where: Midtown Manhattan, New York
Many have come to know New York as the concrete jungle where according to Jay Z, dreams are created. The Rockerfeller Centre in midtown Manhattan is where the iconic bronze Atlas statue was installed in 1937. The statue weights 6400 kilograms.
Image supplied
Have you visited any iconic statues that I haven’t mentioned?
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