Statue of the Vitorchiano Moai

About this activity

Among the rolling hills of Tuscia, in the village of Vitorchiano, stands a sculpture that seems to defy time and space: the Statue of the Moai. A one-of-a-kind masterpiece, this majestic stone figure represents an extraordinary connection between the ancient traditions of Easter Island and Italy’s cultural landscape. But how is it possible that such an iconic symbol of Polynesia is found in a small medieval village in the province of Viterbo? Get ready for a fascinating journey through history, art, and the magic of this extraordinary place.

The Moai: Symbol of an Ancient Civilization

The Moai are the famous monolithic statues carved by the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island, located in the Pacific Ocean. These figures, characterized by their austere and enigmatic faces, embody the spirit of the ancestors, revered as guardians and protectors of local communities. Made from volcanic tuff, some of these sculptures reach impressive heights, standing as one of the greatest expressions of pre-Columbian art.

In Vitorchiano, however, we find a very special Moai. This statue, standing approximately six meters tall and weighing twenty tons, is not an ancient creation but an authentic reproduction crafted in 1990 by Rapa Nui artists. The project emerged from an extraordinary collaboration between the local community and a group of Polynesian artisans, who chose to carve the monolith using peperino, a volcanic stone native to the region.

How Did a Moai Arrive in Vitorchiano?

The story of the Moai Statue of Vitorchiano begins with an event that can be considered unique in modern history. In 1989, during a cultural visit, a group of Rapa Nui artisans was invited to Italy to share their sculptural tradition with the Western world. It was during this visit that the idea was born to create a new Moai as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange.

Vitorchiano was chosen as the ideal location due to the quality of its peperino, a magmatic rock that is both easy to carve and highly durable over time. The Polynesian artisans sculpted the statue directly on-site, preserving the ancient carving techniques and instilling in the stone the spiritual essence that characterizes the original Moai.

The Statue Today

Today, the Moai Statue is one of the most iconic symbols of Vitorchiano, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. Its location, nestled in the lush green hills and just a short distance from the village’s historic center, provides a truly enchanting setting. The sculpture appears to guard the silence and beauty of the surrounding landscape, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.

The statue is perfectly integrated into the local cultural landscape. Its presence not only enhances Vitorchiano’s artistic heritage but also tells a story of openness and dialogue between distant cultures. It stands as an extraordinary example of how art can transcend geographical and temporal boundaries, fostering connection and cultural exchange.