Statua del Gigante

Statua del Gigante (Statue of the Giant) is one of the most unique and iconic landmarks in Monterosso al Mare. This 14-meter-tall (46-foot) statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, stands on the cliffs at the far end of Fegina Beach. Its dramatic cliffside location makes it an excellent photo spot, especially in the early morning or at sunset.

The Statua del Gigante was sculpted in 1910 by Arrigo Minerbi, an Italian sculptor, and Francesco Levacher, an engineer. The statue was designed as part of Villa Pastine, an extravagant residence that featured Neptune as a symbol of Monterosso’s connection to the sea. Originally, the statue supported a massive seashell-shaped terrace on its back, which was used for parties and gatherings. However, bombing raids during World War II severely damaged both the villa and the statue. Later, storms and coastal erosion caused further destruction, leaving only part of the original statue intact. Today, Neptune is missing both arms and part of his trident, but despite its damaged state, the statue remains an important cultural landmark and a symbol of Monterosso’s history.