Title: Polish Billionaire to Build Giant Statue of Virgin Mary
A Polish billionaire, Roman Karkosik, and his wife have announced plans to build a massive 180ft (55m) statue of the Virgin Mary in Kikola, Poland, his hometown. The massive structure will be one of the tallest religious statues in the world, potentially dwarfing the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, which stands at 98ft (30m) tall.
The statue, designed to be a symbol of gratitude to Kikola, where Karkosik reportedly resides with his wife, is expected to be a popular tourist attraction. The structure will feature a 50ft crown and will stand 131ft tall. A pedestal will offer a panoramic view of the statue and serve as a viewing platform.
Permission to build the statue was granted in October 2024, and demolition of buildings at the construction site began earlier this month. The project is expected to be completed in 2026, although an official opening date has not been set.
Roman Karkosik is one of the richest people in Poland, with an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion. He is the founder and majority shareholder of Boryszew, a leading Polish industrial group. The cost to build the statue is yet to be confirmed.
