Christ redeemer corcovado

Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain is one of Brazil's most iconic monuments and a symbol of Rio de Janeiro.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer is an Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ located atop Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro. It was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, after about five years of construction. The statue stands 30 meters tall (38 meters including its pedestal) and weighs 1,145 metric tons. Its outstretched arms measure 28 meters from tip to tip. The project was initiated by the Catholic Church to celebrate the centenary of Brazil's independence in 1922, but it was delayed. Engineer Heitor da Silva Costa led the project, and French sculptor Paul Landowski modeled the head and hands. The statue is made of reinforced concrete and covered in soapstone, which protects it from weather and gives it a whitish color. In 2007, it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global poll. The monument attracts about 2 million visitors annually and offers panoramic views of the city, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and Copacabana Beach. The name Corcovado means 'hunchback' in Portuguese, referring to the mountain's shape. At night, the statue is illuminated by spotlights that highlight its silhouette against the dark sky.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Christ the Redeemer?

The statue is 30 meters tall, plus an 8-meter pedestal, totaling 38 meters. Its outstretched arms measure 28 meters.

How many visitors does Christ the Redeemer receive each year?

About 2 million people visit the monument annually, making it one of Brazil's most popular tourist attractions.

Why was Christ the Redeemer built?

It was an initiative of the Catholic Church to celebrate the centenary of Brazil's independence in 1922, symbolizing faith and the hospitality of the Brazilian people.