In a remarkable fusion of faith and architecture, construction has begun in the village of Konotopa on what will soon become Europe’s largest statue of Mother Mary, standing an astounding 55 meters high — surpassing even Rio de Janeiro’s famous Christ the Redeemer.
The initiative, funded by renowned Polish entrepreneur Roman Karkosik, represents more than just a feat of engineering. It is a spiritual landmark — a testament to Poland’s enduring devotion to the Virgin Mary, who holds a deeply revered place in the nation’s Catholic faith.
Once completed, this monumental statue will depict Mother Mary with open arms, symbolizing peace, compassion, and divine protection. The project aims to inspire hope and serve as a place of reflection for visitors from around the world.
Local church leaders and residents have expressed pride and gratitude for this project, calling it “a gift of faith for future generations.”
“This isn’t merely a monument,” said a local priest. “It’s a reminder that faith can rise even higher than stone.”
With construction already underway, the statue is expected to become a spiritual beacon, drawing pilgrims, tourists, and art enthusiasts alike to Konotopa — reinforcing Poland’s reputation as one of Europe’s most devoted and faith-filled nations.
When complete, the monument will stand as a global emblem of love, resilience, and unity — a towering testament to the power of belief.
💙🙏 A symbol not just for Poland — but for every heart that believes.
Panaji, 5th December 2024: The Department of Tourism in collaboration with Travel Corporation India (TCI), hosted a sunset boat cruise tour for around 30 travel agents from Poland on December 5, 2024. The event aimed to showcase Goa’s scenic beauty, rich culture and attract more tourists from Poland to Goa.
The guests were cordially welcomed at Captain’s Club, Ribander, by Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager, GTDC; Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC; Shri Shawn Mendes, OSD to the Minister for Tourism; Shri Ernest Dias, Chief operating officer, TCI and Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, Assistant Director of Tourism. The evening began with an engaging presentation by Shri Gavin Dias, spotlighting Goa’s vibrant heritage, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes followed by the screening of a captivating video highlighting Goa’s unique hidden gems and current tourism initiatives was played, offering guests a glimpse into the state’s diverse attractions.
The highlight of the tour was a boat cruise from Ribander, offering stunning views of Old Goa and Panaji. The serene journey, with its calm waters and lush greenery, gave guests unforgettable memories as they enjoyed views of Goa’s landmarks, including the World Heritage Sites at Old Goa along with Divar Island, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Atal Setu, showcasing the region’s beauty and history. The guests were brought to Goa by Rainbow Tours, the charter operator that facilitates charter flights to the state, with two flights arriving every 10 days.
Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director of Tourism and Managing Director of GTDC remarked, “This initiative highlights Goa’s breathtaking scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, offering an immersive experience for guests while strengthening international tourism ties. By creating experiences that celebrate Goa’s essence, we aim to inspire a deeper understanding of sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and the local community.”
Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager, GTDC, highlighted, “Goa’s seamless connectivity through charter flights, waterways, rail, and road, along with user-friendly apps like Goa Taxi and Goa Miles, ensures hassle-free travel. With its cultural treasures like Chikhal Kalo and São João among others, exciting adventures, and serene wellness retreats, Goa offers something unique for every traveller.”
Recently, Department of Tourism, also successfully hosted the Goa Roadshow 2024 in Warsaw, Poland. This exclusive invite-only event showcased Goa’s rich heritage, cultural traditions, and tourism offerings, engaging Polish travel stakeholders through presentations, interactive sessions, and personalized discussions strengthening ties with the Polish travel community.
The cruise ride concluded with the travellers expressing their admiration for Goa’s natural beauty and the immersive experience curated for them. This collaboration is yet another step in promoting Goa as a global tourism hub, blending its rich traditions with modern sensibilities to create unforgettable journeys.
