Christ of the Abyss in Italy: Iconic Underwater Statue

This post explains a recent conservation effort on the famous underwater statue known as the Christ of the Abyss off Portofino and why it matters for divers, historians, and visitors to the Italian Riviera.

I’ll describe how the cleaning was done, the statue’s history and significance, and practical notes for travelers who want to experience this unique dive site and the charming towns nearby.

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What happened: police divers clean a Mediterranean icon

Recently, Italian police divers carried out a careful cleaning of the bronze Christ of the Abyss, the celebrated submerged statue located off the coast of Portofino.

Using pressurized water hoses, teams removed crustaceans and marine growth that had accumulated on the figure, a routine but essential task to protect the work from long-term deterioration.

The operation highlights the balance between preserving cultural heritage and maintaining a healthy marine environment.

Such maintenance keeps the site accessible and meaningful for divers and non-divers alike.

Why the cleaning matters

Regular maintenance prevents heavy encrustation that can obscure details and accelerate corrosion.

The cleaning reinforces the statue’s role as a memorial and a symbol of sacrifice, attracting visitors who come for history, faith, and spectacular underwater scenery.

Installed: 1954
Height: 2.5 meters
Depth: 18 meters
Distance from shore: about 300 meters
Location: between Portofino and Camogli
Material origins: melted medals of fallen Italian soldiers plus fragments of cannons and ships

History and symbolism of the statue

The Christ of the Abyss was cast from melted-down medals of Italy’s fallen soldiers and from fragments of war-era weaponry and vessels.

The sculptor gave Christ an open, blessed posture—arms raised as if welcoming or protecting those at sea.

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Installed in 1954, it functions both as a poignant memorial to lives lost at sea and as a broader emblem of sacrifice connected to World War II.

Placed on the seabed between Portofino and Camogli at about 18 metres, the statue is easily reachable for experienced recreational divers and attracts snorkelers, photographers, and pilgrims.

Its story blends art, history, and maritime memory in a way few underwater monuments do.

Visiting the site: what to know

If you plan to dive or join a boat trip, book with a licensed operator who knows the local currents and respects conservation rules.

Visibility varies seasonally, so spring through early autumn often offers the best underwater photos.

For non-divers, several boats offer glass-bottom or close-pass excursions so you can view the statue without getting wet.

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As a travel tip: combine the dive with a visit to nearby coastal towns.

The Italian Riviera’s charm is best experienced on land as well as below the waves.

Tying the story back to the Italian Riviera

The recent cleaning of the Christ of the Abyss is a reminder of the deep connections between Liguria’s sea and its communities—from Portofino and Camogli to Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo.

This coastline stretches through Genoa and Sestri Levante and on to Levanto, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

It is dotted with villages and ports that celebrate maritime heritage.

Don’t miss Portovenere and La Spezia either when planning a Riviera itinerary.

Here is the source article for this story: Italy Christ of the Abyss

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