Sagrado Corazón

Sagrado Corazón (Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus), known locally as "El Cristo," is one of the landmark symbols of San Sebastián de la Gomera in the Canary Islands. The statue stands on a hilltop above the Machal ravine, right over the island's capital, and it is visible from almost anywhere in town.

The story behind the monument

Work on the monument's foundation began in 1962, and the finished figure was blessed by Bishop Franco Gascón on July 5, 1964. It was created by the Basque sculptor José Larrea Echániz (1890–1976). The original stone statue stood 5 meters tall on a 13-meter pedestal, with a small chapel built into the base.

That version of the Sagrado Corazón watched over the town for more than fifty years, until 2016, when it was replaced with a new sculpture. The current figure is taller — 9 meters — and sits on a far more substantial 30-meter base that also houses the island's telecommunications equipment. The new statue is made of a material that keeps its bright white finish, and at night it is lit from within, making it visible across the town long after dark.

What you'll find on site

The spot where the statue stands now works as a full viewpoint, the Mirador del Cristo. From the terrace, you get a wide panorama over San Sebastián de la Gomera, its historic harbor bay, and the surrounding hills. On clear days, you can even make out the peak of Mount Teide on Tenerife, across the channel.

Next to the monument itself is an interpretation center dedicated to Silbo Gomero, the Gomeran whistled language recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. It's a good place to learn how islanders once communicated across the deep ravines before roads and phones existed. The viewpoint area also has a restaurant with a view, a welcome stop after the climb up the hill.

How to get there

The easiest way up is by car along the TF-713 road (Carretera del Sur) — there's a car park right by the route, just a short walk from the monument. If you'd rather walk, the Camino de Machal trail loops through the ravine and leads up to the statue, letting you combine the visit with a short hike through typical Gomeran terrain: dry slopes covered in cacti and endemic plants.

When to visit

The monument and viewpoint are open year-round, but morning hours give you the clearest views of Teide and the bay, before the afternoon haze settles over the channel. It's also worth coming back after dark — the illuminated statue is visible from all over town and serves as a landmark for boats entering the harbor.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for the viewpoint? No, the viewpoint and the area around the monument are free to visit, like most public miradors on La Gomera.

Can you drive right up to the monument? Yes, the TF-713 road leads to a car park close to the statue, so you don't need to hike — though the Camino de Machal trail is a popular walking alternative.

How does the current statue differ from the 1964 original? Larrea's original stone sculpture was 5 meters tall and stood until 2016. It was replaced by a taller, 9-meter figure on a 30-meter base that also serves as a telecommunications tower and is lit up at night.

What else can you see at this spot? Besides the monument and the viewpoint, the site includes a center dedicated to Silbo Gomero and a restaurant overlooking the San Sebastián bay.