Jesus loses his head in Wednesday lightning strike

The monument before the lightning strike.

A lightning strike Wednesday afternoon destroyed part of the Christ the King monument located on Cullca Hill, north of Cuenca’s historic district. The strike, which occurred during an intense thunderstorm, sent masonry and marble fragments flying as far as 50 meters from the structure. Several homes and businesses and at least seven vehicles were damaged by debris.

The force of the strike also dislodged the head of Jesus at the top of the monument, which came to rest on the plaza below.

Jesus’ head came rest at the base of the monument.

The monument, commissioned by the Catholic church, was designed and built in 1929 and 1930 by artist Manuel Mendieta. Its base, made of stone, brick and marble supports the 22-meter marble statue. According to the church, it is the tallest religious structure in the city, located at one of the highest points in the central city.

It is the second time Jesus has lost his head due to a lightning strike, the church diocese office reported, the first time being in 1974.

A Cuenca historical commission employee who surveyed the damage, said the monument will require “extensive restoration.”

The monument is located between Calles Luis Cordero and Eugenio Espejo.