The Christ of the Lanterns is not only in Córdoba: this other one is also in Andalusia
Although the capital of Cordoba is home to the famous Cristo de los Faroles (Christ of the Lanterns), the city of Malaga has a monument of the same name that is increasingly attracting visitors. The one in Malaga was commissioned in 1963 by the then mayor, Francisco García Grana , to the sculptor José Espinós Alonso. His work is in the National Museum of Decorative Arts and he created the entrance gate to the Basilica of the Valley of the Fallen, as well as a tabernacle.
The piece was placed in the small garden that then ran alongside the Cathedral, in the Postigo de los Abades (Abbots' Gate), in the area closest to the unfinished tower. From this, it became known as the Cristo de los Abades (Christ of the Abbots) or del Postigo de los Abades (Christ of the Abbots).
However, when the diocesan architect Enrique Atencia built the Oratory of Faith in that area in 1968 - the body with a terrace and balustrade that occupied the gardens - the Christ was moved to the small square overlooking Los Mártires Street, called San Juan de Dios.
In the new location, four lanterns were also installed flanking the image, and this led to it being known from then on as Christ of the Lanterns .
Thus, the sculptural ensemble, which is more than six decades old, has become a tourist highlight during a visit to the city.
Christ of the Lanterns of Malaga
Malaga City Council
The statue of Christ, after being vandalized on its pedestal, has been returned to its plaza. However, it has previously undergone a restoration process to ensure its best preservation as a sculpture in the public street.
The layers of the metal part were cleaned , the affected parts were welded, the primer was applied with a layer of anti-rust paint, the glass on the lanterns was replaced, new wiring was installed for the light, and the finish was given a final coat of anti-rust enamel in the same color as the original.
The narrowness of the surrounding streets leading to the Cristo de los Faroles statue has meant that its installation has had to be done manually. However, the location is unique and increasingly attracts the attention of tourists.
ABC.es
