Christ of the Abyss
Monument Submerged bronze Christ statue in Ligurian waters
Underwater bronze statue in San Fruttuoso bay near Portofino; divers and snorkelers visit the submerged figure inside a protected marine area.
Christ of the Abyss is a submerged bronze statue located off the Ligurian coast of Italy near San Fruttuoso in the Gulf of Portofino. The statue was placed underwater in 1954 and commemorates divers lost at sea.
The figure of Christ stands on the seabed with arms raised and is a recognized site for diving and underwater photography. It attracts recreational scuba divers and boat visitors to the marine-protected area.
The statue is part of the maritime landscape of the Gulf of Portofino and is visited in conjunction with the coastal village of San Fruttuoso and nearby marine attractions.
The monument sits underwater in the Portofino area of Liguria, within the Portofino Regional Marine Protected Area and reachable by boat from coastal towns such as Camogli and Portofino.
- Installation date and protection: Placed underwater in 1954 in the Bay of San Fruttuoso and now located within the Portofino Regional Marine Protected Area.
- Diving site depth: Sited at roughly 17 metres depth, it is a popular destination for recreational scuba divers and snorkel excursions.
How to Get to Christ of the Abyss #
San Fruttuoso is accessible by boat from Portofino or Camogli (regular summer ferries), or by a coastal hiking trail from nearby towns (a 45-60 minute walk from Camogli). Dive operators in Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure run excursions to the site.
Tips for Visiting Christ of the Abyss #
- If diving/snorkeling to see the statue, go with a reputable local dive operator and ensure proper insurance and equipment.
- There are multiple casts of Christ of the Abyss; confirm which site (San Fruttuoso, Italy) the operator visits.
- Even if not diving, take the short hike around the headland above San Fruttuoso for a dramatic vantage point of the submerged statue.
Best Time to Visit Christ of the Abyss #
Summer months are best for boat access and diving; spring and autumn offer quieter coastal trails and fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Christ of the Abyss #
Christ of the Abyss's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1233 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (205 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.