Christ redeemer corcovado

Christ the Redeemer, atop Corcovado mountain, is one of Brazil's most recognizable icons 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, 710 meters above sea level, within the Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro. Standing 30 meters tall (including its 8-meter pedestal), the statue weighs approximately 1,145 tons and was completed in 1931 after nine years of construction. The project was led by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by Frenchman Paul Landowski, while the face was created by Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida. The main materials are reinforced concrete and soapstone (steatite), chosen for durability and weather resistance.

The monument is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, receiving about 2 million visitors annually. In 2007, it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global poll. Beyond its religious significance, Christ the Redeemer is a cultural and landscape icon, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. In 2012, UNESCO declared the Rio de Janeiro landscape between the mountain and the sea, which includes Corcovado, a World Heritage site.

The statue has undergone several renovations and faces natural challenges such as lightning strikes. It is estimated to be hit 3 to 6 times per year, requiring constant maintenance of its lightning rod system. In 2008, lightning damaged part of the fingers and head, requiring repairs. In 2014, another strike broke the right thumb. Despite this, the monument remains a symbol of hospitality and faith, illuminated at night and visible from many points in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long did it take to build Christ the Redeemer?

Construction took nine years, from 1922 to 1931, including planning and execution.

Has Christ the Redeemer been damaged by lightning?

Yes, the statue is struck by lightning several times a year. In 2008 and 2014, lightning caused damage to the fingers and head, requiring repairs.

What material is Christ the Redeemer made of?

The internal structure is reinforced concrete, and the outer layer is covered with soapstone (steatite), a durable and weather-resistant material.