The Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo is an important icon in El Salvador and one of its recognizable sights. The large memorial was inaugurated in 1942 and honours Jesus Christ, the patron of El Salvador.
The monument is the focal point of the Saviour of the World Plaza near downtown San Salvador. The structure was designed by José María Villaseñor and features a statue of Jesus standing on the Earth atop a tall concrete base. During the city’s devastating earthquake of 1986, the statue was heavily damaged after crashing down to the ground. It was repaired and put back in place a few months later.
To study the sculpture in more detail, bring a pair of binoculars or a camera with a good zoom function. It is also worth coming back here at night to see the monument bathed in light. If you want a short break from your sightseeing adventures, take a seat on the steps at the foot of the monument and watch the world go by.
The majority of El Salvador’s population is Catholic and every August, the country honours Jesus with a week-long series of street parties and parades. Visit the monument on August 6 to join in the celebration of the Transfiguration of Jesus. According to gospel, this significant event marks the miracle when Jesus and his apostles climbed to the top of a mountain and rays of light shone from his body.
The Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo is located near downtown San Salvador at the Saviour of the World Plaza. The plaza is a grassy traffic island at a busy intersection, so there is no parking available. You may be able to find some free parking in nearby streets. Alternatively, travel by bus or taxi or walk 1.2 miles (2 kilometres) from the centre of the city. You may also see the monument pictured on the back of old banknotes and car license plates.
