Walter D'Agostini explained in a radio interview that “we never even made a plan or anything like that. We started to build, until one day we went to measure it when we finished it”. As for additional infrastructure, the work includes a small bar and restrooms for the comfort of visitors.

However, these fees have generated discomfort, especially among Catamarqueños, who consider that access should be more accessible. Marcelo Gallo, journalist and editor of El Ancasti, has expressed his concern, stating that “they are profiting from people's faith”. Gallo argues that the work was initially presented as an act of devotion, but then a commercial logic behind the project was discovered.

Opinion divided: a tourist venture or an act of faith?

The debate has intensified in the Catamarca community, where devotion to the Virgin of the Valley is deep-rooted. Gallo emphasizes that “if it had been presented as a tourist undertaking, there would have been no problems. But as it has been presented as an act of devotion, and then there is a whole commercial logic behind it, it is a merchant of the temple, which is what is condemned”.

Despite the criticisms, some consider that the project has the potential to become an important tourist icon for the region. The statue of the Virgin of the Valley could attract numerous visitors, thus generating a positive economic impact in Catamarca.

The inauguration of the statue of the Virgen del Valle has sparked a mixture of enthusiasm and controversy in Catamarca. While some see in this monumental work an opportunity for tourism development, others question the motivation behind the project and the accessibility for the faithful. Time will tell if this imposing statue will succeed in balancing religious devotion with tourism development, or if controversy will continue to mark its history.

Author: Bernardo Sabisky. Viajes, fotos y comidas