Rio de janeiro christ redeemer aerial

Aerial view of Christ the Redeemer, an Art Deco monument atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, stands 38 meters tall atop Corcovado Mountain, 710 meters above sea level. Inaugurated on October 12, 1931, the monument was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French artist Paul Landowski, with the face created by Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida. The statue is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, weighing 1,145 tons, with a height of 30 meters plus an 8-meter pedestal. The outstretched arms span 28 meters, symbolizing welcome and peace. Construction took nine years and cost the equivalent of US$3 million at the time, funded by donations from the faithful and the Catholic Church. Since 1973, the monument has been protected as a National Historic Heritage site. Located within Tijuca National Park, the largest urban rainforest in the world, Christ the Redeemer attracts about 2 million visitors annually. In 2019, a panoramic elevator and escalators were inaugurated to improve access. The statue has been struck by lightning several times, most notably in 2014 when a bolt damaged the right thumb. The monument is not only a religious icon but also a cultural and tourist symbol, representing Brazil in the global imagination. The view from Corcovado encompasses Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and Maracanã Stadium. In 2007, it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global poll.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total height of Christ the Redeemer?

Christ the Redeemer is 38 meters tall including the 8-meter pedestal. The statue itself measures 30 meters.

Where exactly is Christ the Redeemer located?

The monument is located on top of Corcovado Mountain within Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

How many visitors does Christ the Redeemer receive per year?

About 2 million tourists visit Christ the Redeemer annually, making it one of the most visited landmarks in Brazil.