Monumento al Corazón de María

Monumento al Corazón de María is a large Marian monument standing on a hill above Tudela, in the Navarre region of Spain. A statue of the Virgin Mary set atop a slender, truncated conical obelisk forms a structure reaching 21.5 meters in height, making it one of the landmarks visible from many points across the Ebro valley below.

Where exactly is it located?

The monument sits on a hillside directly facing Torre Monreal, close to the Lourdes neighborhood. The elevated position offers wide views over Tudela's old town and the surrounding farmland, so the walk up to the monument is already part of the experience.

What is the history behind it?

The foundation stone was laid on December 8, 1954, and the monument was formally inaugurated on October 7, 1956. It was built in the middle of the 20th century as an expression of local religious devotion and has remained a fixed part of the city's skyline ever since.

Is this the only monument of its kind in Tudela?

No — the Heart of Mary has a counterpart on the opposite side of the city: the Monumento al Corazón de Jesús, standing on the Santa Bárbara hill. The two monuments face each other from opposing hills, a layout that reflects a devotional tradition common in Spain during the first half of the 20th century.

What will you see on site?

The statue itself, perched on a narrow, tapering conical base, is striking even from a distance, its silhouette clearly outlined against the sky. Up close, it's worth noting the proportions of the structure and how it sits within the dry, rocky landscape typical of the area around Tudela. Locals use the hill for walks, and visitors treat it as a natural viewpoint over the city.

How do you get there?

The hill is within walking distance or a short drive from central Tudela, near the Lourdes district. Because the approach involves climbing, comfortable footwear is recommended, especially in summer when the area can get quite sunny and exposed.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning or late afternoon are the best times, when the light flatters the obelisk and the views over the city, and the heat typical of the Ebro valley is more bearable. Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures, making them good seasons for longer walks around the surrounding hills.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the monument? The statue of the Virgin Mary together with its conical base reaches a total height of 21.5 meters.

When was it built? Construction began with the laying of the foundation stone on December 8, 1954, and the monument was inaugurated on October 7, 1956.

Is there a similar monument in Tudela? Yes, the Monumento al Corazón de Jesús stands on the Santa Bárbara hill on the other side of the city, forming a visual pair with this monument.

What can you see from the site? The viewpoint by the monument overlooks Tudela's old town and the surrounding farmland of the Ebro valley.