Santa Monica Statue — Attraction in Santa Monica

There's a great story behind the 18-foot-tall sculpture of Saint Monica in Palisades Park. Our city namesake, Monica, was born in 300 A.D. and shed many tears in her lifetime due to the evil deeds of her son, St. Augustine of Hippo. For these reasons, St. Monica came to represent the virtues of unconditional love, strength and patience.

Anyway, in the 18th century a missionary named Father Juan Crespí was searching for water and discovered a natural spring. He was reminded of the tears Monica shed for her son. (The spring is still around, on the site of present day Uni High.) An art deco sculpture of Saint Monica, completed by Eugene Morahan in 1934, now stands watch over the bluffs at Palisades Park, along with a variety of other sculptures and art installations.

So, there's your history lesson...

The Sky Is My Witness! Photography by... © Sal_Ferondi Saint Monica Saint Monica, also known as Monica of Hippo, is St. Augustine of Hippo's mother. She is remembered and honored in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. The city of Santa Monica, California, is named...

This is a great place to have a quiet moment to reflect on the spirit of Santa Monica. Make sure to take a photo here to add to your album for your trip. If you are a local, this is a great place to reflect on our...