A roller coaster road to Cristo Redentore di Maratea

# The Wild Ride to Christ the Redeemer of Maratea

Perched on the Tyrrhenian coast in southern Italy, the hilltop town of Maratea is home to one of Europe's most impressive Jesus statues—Cristo Redentore di Maratea. This stunning marble creation, sculpted by Florentine artist Bruno Innocenti in 1965, ranks third among Europe's largest Christ figures, trailing only Poland's Christ the King and Lisbon's Cristo-Rei.

Getting to the top of Monte San Biágio is half the adventure. The fully paved route climbs 6.8 km (4.22 miles) from town with a relentless average gradient of 5.82%—and yes, it hits a brutal 11% in some sections. You're gaining 396 meters (1,942 feet) of elevation, ending at 592 meters above sea level.

But here's the real thrill: the road is basically a roller coaster in asphalt form. Eighteen hairpin turns snake up the mountainside in a dizzying pattern that'll make your knuckles white if you're not comfortable with tight curves. The last few hundred meters are particularly intense, running along concrete columns that feel genuinely precarious—especially if you're unfortunate enough to be driving a tour bus up here. It's legitimately unnerving.

That said, this isn't a road to tackle in bad weather. Low clouds will completely rob you of the spectacular views that make the white-knuckle drive worthwhile. Pick a clear day, embrace the adrenaline rush, and reward yourself with those panoramic vistas and the awe-inspiring statue waiting at the top.