Cristo redentor angle low

Christ the Redeemer, a 38-meter Art Deco statue in Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most iconic monuments worldwide, symbolizing Brazil and Christianity.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer, located atop Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, is a 38-meter-tall statue of Jesus Christ (including an 8-meter pedestal) with a 28-meter wingspan. Inaugurated on October 12, 1931, after nearly 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 responsible for the face. The monument is made of reinforced concrete and clad in soapstone, chosen for its durability and ease of maintenance.

Construction was funded by donations from Catholic faithful and supported by the Catholic Church, during a period of intense urbanization in Brazil and a search for national identity. Christ the Redeemer was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, in a global vote. Its location offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the Maracanã stadium. The statue is also a major religious pilgrimage site, especially during Easter and Christmas, when it receives special lighting.

The statue has undergone several renovations over the years, including a major restoration in 2010 that replaced the soapstone coating and installed new lighting and drainage systems. In 2014, during the World Cup, it was illuminated with the colors of the Brazilian flag. Christ the Redeemer is frequently used for artistic and symbolic interventions, such as projections of images of personalities or flags on special dates. Its silhouette is instantly recognizable worldwide, appearing in films, commercials, and artworks.

Notably, the statue has suffered minimal damage from lightning strikes over the decades, thanks to a lightning rod system installed at its creation. In 2014, a lightning bolt struck its right thumb, causing minor damage. The open-armed posture, spanning 28 meters, symbolizes welcome and peace, and is one of the most notable examples of Art Deco style in Brazil. The monument is managed by the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro and the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN), which listed it as a protected structure in 1973.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Christ the Redeemer?

Christ the Redeemer is 38 meters tall including the 8-meter pedestal. The statue itself is 30 meters high with a 28-meter arm span.

When was Christ the Redeemer inaugurated?

It was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, after nearly nine years of construction that began in 1922.

What material is Christ the Redeemer made of?

It is made of reinforced concrete clad in soapstone, a material resistant to weathering and easy to maintain, commonly used in monumental sculptures.