OUTING - THE STATUE OF JESUS CHRIST IN VUNG TAU

Untitled Lesson

By Ánh Ngọc

Statue – Bức tượng

Cultural and historical monument – Di tích lịch sử - văn hóa

Recognize – Công nhận

Cape – Mũi đất

Buddhist community – Cộng đồng Phật giáo

Colonial period – Thời kỳ thuộc địa

Hidden bunkers – Hầm ngầm ẩn

Cannon – Khẩu pháo

Halo – Hào quang

Lightning rod – Cột thu lôi

Robe – Áo choàng

Longevity – Trường thọ

Christ the King Statue in Vung Tau

The Christ the King Statue is a large statue of Jesus Christ in Vung Tau, Vietnam. It stands on Nui Nho (Small Mountain). The statue was built in 1974 and finished in 1994. In 2012, it was named the largest Jesus statue in Asia. On January 18, 1993, it was recognized as a national cultural and historical monument by the Vietnamese government.

Building the Statue

At first, people wanted to build the statue at Nghinh Phong Cape. But there was a problem with the Buddhist community, so they moved it to Small Mountain. The statue’s construction stopped in 1975 because of war. Later, in 1990, the church asked to repair and complete it. Finally, in 1994, the statue was finished.

The Statue’s Size

Height: 32 meters

Arm length: 18.4 meters

Inside: There is a staircase with 133 steps leading to the statue’s shoulders.

Climbing up: Visitors must walk 811 steps to reach the statue.

Capacity: 100 people can fit inside the statue at one time.

Confusion in Name

In the past, some people called the statue Saint Jacques Statue because, during the French colonial period, Vung Tau was named Cap Saint Jacques. A 1998 tourist map mistakenly wrote it as Saint George Statue, but later maps corrected it to Christ the King Statue.

Hidden Bunkers Under the Statue

During construction, workers discovered old underground bunkers from the 19th century, built by the French army. The system included seven large tunnels and several cannons placed on Small Mountain to protect ships entering Vung Tau - Saigon Bay.

Interesting Features

The halo on Jesus' head is actually a lightning rod to protect the statue from storms.

The robe of the statue has three small windows with "longevity" symbols, making the inside bright and airy.

From the statue’s shoulders, visitors can see Vung Tau's beaches and mountains, as well as a part of the East Sea.

Records and Recognition

In 2006, it was named the biggest Jesus statue in Vietnam.

In 2012, it was called the largest Jesus statue in Asia.

Multiple Choice

On which mountain is the Christ the King Statue built?

• A. Nui Lon (Big Mountain)
  

• B. Nui Nho (Small Mountain)
  

• C. Mount Nghinh Phong
  

• D. Mount Dinh

Multiple Choice

When was the Christ the King Statue completed?

• A. 1974
  

• B. 1990
  

• C. 1993
  

• D. 1994

Multiple Choice

What was the original planned location for the statue?

• A. Nui Nho (Small Mountain)
  

• B. Nghinh Phong Cape
  

• C. Nui Lon (Big Mountain)
  

• D. Bai Sau Beach

Multiple Choice

How many steps are inside the statue’s staircase that lead to its shoulders?

• A. 133
  

• B. 811
  

• C. 500
  

• D. 1000

Multiple Choice

Why did people mistake the statue’s name in the past?

• A. The statue looked like another famous statue.
  

• B. Vung Tau was called “Cap Saint Jacques” during the French colonial period.
  

• C. The Vietnamese government changed the name many times.
  

• D. The statue was originally dedicated to a different saint.

Multiple Choice

What was discovered under the statue during construction?

• A. A hidden treasure
  

• B. Ancient tombs
  

• C. Underground bunkers from the 19th century
  

• D. A natural cave

Multiple Choice

What is the function of the halo on Jesus' head?

• A. It is made of gold.
  

• B. It reflects sunlight.
  

• C. It serves as a lightning rod.
  

• D. It is a decorative light.

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