At the top of Mont-Saint-Michel, the statue of Saint Michael slaying the dragon sits 512 ft (156 m) above sea level. Designed by Emmanuel Fremiet in 1897, it is 15 ft (4.5 m) high. In order to facilitate its installation, the artist chose hammered and gilded copper, much lighter than bronze. Entirely restored in 2016, the statue also serves as a lightning rod. For medieval people who lived in expectation and fear of the hereafter, Saint Michael was the one leading the dead and weighing souls on the Last Judgement.