It stands high up on the Serra Gelada and is one of Benidorm's most photographed landmarks - the imposing cross that towers over the city with its simple yet impressive presence. But did you know that this 14 metre high monument was originally intended to cleanse the „sins“ of tourists? Yes, you read that right! The story of the cross's origins is a fascinating mixture of religious fervour, urban strategy and the desire to maintain morale in times of the incipient tourism boom. What was once a symbol of repentance and renewal is now an Instagram hotspot.
But there is a deeper story behind the snapshots that goes back to the 1960s. At that time, Benidorm was seen by Spain's more conservative circles as a sinful city that seemed to be losing its Christian values due to the bikini trend and the permissive customs of European tourists.
In order to put a stop to this moral „decay“, the church prevailed and initiated the erection of a cross on the highest point of the city. This symbolic act was intended to save the city from „hell“ - as it was called at the time - and drive away the sins of visitors.
However, as is so often the case, the meaning of symbols changes over time. The memorial to Christian morality gradually became a magnet for tourists, who discovered the cross as a backdrop for their holiday photos. Today, the cross is an integral part of social media and inspires hundreds of photos on Instagram, where influencers and visitors alike enjoy the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean.
Who would have thought that a monument that was once intended to curb tourist „sinfulness“ has now itself become one of the biggest attractions for those very tourists?