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World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock: world record in Cannelton, Indiana

May 31, 2023
World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock: world record in Cannelton, Indiana

Cannelton, Indiana, United States--Greg Harris, local sculptor and Renaissance man, is the creator of a High Celtic Cross commissioned by Gary and Lynn Dauby on Blue Heron Vineyard property in Cannelton, Indiana; the cross has been carved within a 20’x 22’ x 4’ stone that is natural to the hillside; the cross sets the world record for being the World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock: world record in Cannelton, Indiana

"Local artist Greg Harris single-handedly chiseled an artful Celtic cross out of the center of a 20-foot-high boulder. It took nearly two years," the Roadside America reports..


"This is such an awesome site in person -- so much better than it even appears in photographs. Don't miss the smaller carved cross on the back of the stone at the entrance.


"Local artist Greg Harris hollowed out a huge 20-foot-high boulder to create the cross, which took 23 months of persistent chip, chip, chipping."

World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock: world record in Cannelton, Indiana

"Nestled in the hills of Rocky Point, this Celtic Cross is one of the most amazing pieces of art you’ll ever see. It was conceived by Gary and Lynn Dauby, owners of Blue Heron Vineyards and Winery, and carved by Greg Harris, a local sculptor based in Cannelton," the Renew Cannelton says.


"The cross was sculpted within a single 22′ tall stone that is natural to the hillside. It is believed to be the largest known “in-situ” (of its own stone) Celtic Cross in the world. Blue Heron Vineyards and Winery is located just a short distance from downtown Cannelton."

World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock: world record in Cannelton, Indiana

"Greg Harris, local sculptor and Renaissance man, is the creator of a High Celtic Cross commissioned by Gary and Lynn Dauby on Blue Heron Vineyard property. The cross has been carved within a 20’x 22’ x 4’ stone that is natural to the hillside," the Blue Heron Vines says.

"Greg spent 23 months carving this piece, working 6 days a week from morning until dark, in the cold and ice of winter and the heat and humidity of summer. “I was a slave to the environment,” he once said. Where others would carve in a controlled studio with assistants to do the “dirty” work, Harris faced the elements faithfully, alone…and won.


"A number of things make this particular piece interesting. For one, we believe it to be the largest “insitu" (of its own stone) Celtic Cross in the world. Second, the number 23 is repeated time after time within the cross. There are 23 circles or arcs found in the design and 23” is the distance from the center of the circle to the center of the nodules in the upper segment. Those of you who study numbers, realize that 23 is significant. In the sports world, for instance, the number 23 is worn by our premier athletes (i.e. Michael Jordan, Lebron James and soccer star David Beckham). In the Bible, the 23rd Psalm is vital to understanding our faith in God. The entire sculpture, for that matter is built on prime numbers and is a model of the “Golden Mean” used in art and design throughout history."

World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock: world record in Cannelton, Indiana

"Carved within a 20’ x 22’ x 4’ sandstone boulder natural to the hillside, this artwork is believed to be the largest “in situ” (of its own stone) Celtic cross in the world," the Southern Indiana Living says.


"The cross was commissioned by Gary and Lynn Dauby, the winery’s owners, and carved by Cannelton sculptor Greg Harris, whose story is as intriguing as is the presence of this monolith in the hills of southern Indiana. Harris is completely self-taught. He began carving when he was 9 or 10, making dogwood flowers on rocks using a screwdriver.


"It took Harris 23 months to complete the Celtic cross – working alone, six days a week, through all types of weather. “Three tons of stone came out of that boulder,” Harris said. “I went through 70 power chisels.”

World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock: world record in Cannelton, Indiana

"The Celtic cross is a form of Christian cross featuring a nimbus or ring that emerged in Ireland, France and Great Britain in the Early Middle Ages. A type of ringed cross, it became widespread through its use in the stone high crosses erected across the islands, especially in regions evangelized by Irish missionaries, from the ninth through the 12th centuries.

"A staple of Insular art, the Celtic cross is essentially a Latin cross with a nimbus surrounding the intersection of the arms and stem. Scholars have debated its exact origins, but it is related to earlier crosses featuring rings. The form gained new popularity during the Celtic Revival of the 19th century; the name "Celtic cross" is a convention dating from that time. The shape, usually decorated with interlace and other motifs from Insular art, became popular for funerary monuments and other uses, and has remained so, spreading well beyond Ireland." (
Wikipedia)

World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock: world record in Cannelton, Indiana

"On your way to our from Blue Heron Vineyard and Winery, you will see a sign for the Celtic Cross. It is right along your driving path, and a short walk from where you are asked to park the car," the Our Grape Adventures says.


"This sandstone cross was commissioned by owner Gary and Lynn Dauby and carved by Greg Harris. Harris a local individual who has created many works for the Blue Heron Winery and is a self-taught sculptor. This piece is was created from a single 22 foot tall stone that is a natural part of the hillside.


"This sculpture has been featured in several documentaries and films and is believed to be the largest "In situ" Celtic Cross in the world. Certainly worth the stop if you are in the area."

World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock: world record in Cannelton, Indiana

"Greg Harris, local sculptor and Renaissance man, is the creator of a High Celtic Cross commissioned by Gary and Lynn Dauby on Blue Heron Vineyard property. The cross has been carved within a 20’x 22’ x 4’ stone that is natural to the hillside," the Travel Indiana says.


"Greg spent 23 months carving this piece, working six days a week from morning until dark, in the cold and ice of winter and the heat and humidity of summer. “I was a slave to the environment,” he once said. Where others would carve in a controlled studio with assistants to do the “dirty” work, Harris faced the elements faithfully, alone…and won.


"A number of things make this particular piece interesting. For one, it’s believed to be the largest “insitu” (of its own stone) Celtic Cross in the world. Second, the number 23 is repeated time after time within the cross. There are 23 circles or arcs found in the design and 23” is the distance from the center of the circle to the center of the nodules in the upper segment."

World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock: world record in Cannelton, Indiana

"Resting majestically on the grounds of the Blue Heron Vineyards and winery is a 20-foot-high Celtic cross, carved from a single slab of stone by master artist Greg Harris. It took him two years to complete, and today, it's a visually-stunning introduction to the beauty of the vineyards," the Only In Your State says.

World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock: world record in Cannelton, Indiana

World's Largest Celtic Cross Carved From Single Rock: Cannelton, Indiana


Address: 5330 Blue Heron Lane, Cannelton, IN
Directions: On the grounds of Blue Heron Vineyard. I-64 exit 79. Hwy 37 S. toward Tell City. Turn left onto Hwy 237 to Cannelton. Turn left onto Hwy 66 E. to Rocky Point (pass Cannelton Locks and Dam). Turn right onto Hwy 166, then quickly turn left onto Blue Heron Lane. Drive up the hill, follow signs and blue arrows to Blue Heron Vineyard.

Facebook: Blue Heron Vineyards and Winery
Hours: Grounds may be gated after business hours. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Admission: Free

website: https://www.blueheronvines.com/

Related world records:

World’s Largest Crucifix (carved from a single tree): world record in Indian River, Michigan
Tallest summit cross: The Heroes' Cross on Caraiman Peak
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