Cristo redentor statue

The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro is a 30-meter-tall Art Deco monument, inaugurated in 1931 and recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer, located atop Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park, is one of Brazil's most recognizable icons. The Art Deco statue stands 30 meters tall (38 meters including its pedestal) with a wingspan of 28 meters. It was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French artist Paul Landowski, with contributions from engineer Albert Caquot and Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida, who modeled the face. Construction took five years and the statue was inaugurated on October 12, 1931.

The structure is made of reinforced concrete and clad in soapstone tiles, chosen for their durability and light-reflecting properties. The statue weighs approximately 1,145 tons. In 2007, it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global poll organized by the New7Wonders Foundation. The monument is managed by the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro and attracts about 2 million visitors annually.

Christ the Redeemer is a symbol of Christianity and Brazilian hospitality, but also represents early 20th-century engineering and art. Its location on Corcovado offers panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. The statue has undergone several renovations and upgrades, including special lighting and improved accessibility for visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total height of Christ the Redeemer?

The statue itself is 30 meters tall, but with the 8-meter pedestal, the monument reaches 38 meters.

Who designed and sculpted Christ the Redeemer?

The design was by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, and the sculpture was executed by French artist Paul Landowski. The face was modeled by Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida.

Is Christ the Redeemer one of the Seven Wonders of the World?

Yes, it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, in a global poll.