Rio de janeiro christ redeemer aerial

Aerial view of Christ the Redeemer, a 38-meter Art Deco monument atop Corcovado, symbol of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer is a 38-meter tall statue of Jesus Christ (including the 8-meter pedestal) atop Corcovado Mountain, 710 meters above sea level in Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro. Inaugurated on October 12, 1931, the monument was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French artist Paul Landowski, with Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida modeling the face. The structure is made of reinforced concrete and covered with soapstone tiles, chosen for durability and weather resistance.

The statue depicts Christ with outstretched arms, a welcoming pose spanning 28 meters. It was built following a fundraising campaign led by the Catholic Church and local community, marking the centennial of Brazil's independence in 1922. Christ the Redeemer is considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World, awarded in 2007 by the New Open World Corporation.

Corcovado is part of the Carioca Range, a geological formation prominent in Rio's landscape. The name "Corcovado" means "hunchback" in Portuguese, referring to the mountain's shape. Access is by train, car, or hiking trails, and the site attracts about 2 million visitors annually. The panoramic view encompasses Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and Maracanã Stadium. During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the monument was illuminated with flags of participating nations, and during the 2016 Olympics, it featured special projections. Christ the Redeemer is a global icon of Christian faith and Brazilian hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total height of Christ the Redeemer?

The total height is 38 meters, with 30 meters for the statue and 8 meters for the pedestal.

When was Christ the Redeemer inaugurated?

The monument was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, after about five years of construction.

Where is Christ the Redeemer located and how to get there?

It stands atop Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro. The main access is via the Corcovado Train, but you can also go by car or van on the road, or by hiking trails like Vista Chinesa.