Pillar of peace: Tower takes sublimity skywards

The new white concrete monolith by Swiss architects Christ & Gantenbein sits on one side of the Cerro del Obispo peak, overlooking the Jalisco mountain range. Designed to symbolise and facilitate spirituality, the landmark offers visitors an intuitive way to experience sublimity and wonder. On entering through a small door at ground level, the eye is drawn to the top of the structure, where natural light floods down through its curvaceous outline. The column’s organic-looking cross-section is perceptible only from the inside and is at odds with the linear pillar visible from outside.

The tower will be accompanied on the trail by chapels, shelters and sanctuaries by Ai Weiwei, Elemental, Luis Aldrete, HHF Architects, GodoyLab, Tatiana Bilbao and Dellekamp, all designed to foster the contemplation of penitence and purification, which is the historic purpose of making the pilgrimage.

Find out more about New Sublimity Tourism in our microtrend report.