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 a 30-meter tall statue of Jesus Christ (including the 8-meter pedestal) located atop Corcovado mountain, 710 meters above sea level, within the Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro. Inaugurated on October 12, 1931, after nine years of construction, the project was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French artist Paul Landowski, with Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida crafting the face.

The statue weighs approximately 1,145 tons and is made of reinforced concrete clad in a mosaic of soapstone, chosen for its durability and ease of maintenance. Its outstretched arms span 28 meters from tip to tip, symbolizing welcome. In 2007, it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in an international poll organized by the New7Wonders Foundation.

Corcovado mountain is part of the Tijuca massif, which also includes Pico da Tijuca, the highest point in the city at 1,022 meters. The area is covered by the largest urban forest in the world, Tijuca National Park, established in 1961. Access to Christ the Redeemer is via a cogwheel train, vehicles, or hiking trails, such as the one passing through Vista Chinesa. Approximately 2 million tourists visit the site annually.

The monument has undergone several renovations, including the installation of nighttime lighting in 1932 and the replacement of the original soapstone cladding over the decades. During the 2014 World Cup, the statue was illuminated with the colors of participating countries. It frequently hosts religious events, such as Christmas Mass, and has been struck by lightning, requiring constant maintenance of its lightning rods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact height of Christ the Redeemer?

The statue is 30 meters tall, with the figure measuring 22 meters and the pedestal 8 meters. The arm span is 28 meters from tip to tip.

Has Christ the Redeemer ever been damaged by lightning?

Yes, the monument is frequently struck by lightning due to its high elevation. In 2014, a lightning strike damaged the thumb of the right hand, which was quickly repaired.

What material covers the statue?

The cladding is made of soapstone, a durable and low-maintenance material, applied as mosaics over the reinforced concrete structure.