Cristo redentor statue

The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro is one of the most iconic statues worldwide, a symbol of Christianity and a postcard of Brazil.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ located atop Corcovado Mountain at an altitude of 710 meters in Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro. Standing 30 meters tall (38 meters including its pedestal), it is the largest Art Deco statue in the world. It was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, after nine years of construction. The project was a partnership between Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Paul Landowski, with collaboration from Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida, who carved the face. The structure is made of reinforced concrete, covered with soapstone mosaic tiles, a material resistant to weathering. The statue weighs approximately 1,145 tons.

Construction was funded by donations from Catholic faithful and primarily motivated by the centennial of Brazil's independence in 1922. Originally, the plan was to erect a religious monument on Castelo Hill, but the location was changed to Corcovado. During construction, logistical challenges included transporting materials to the top, requiring adaptation of the existing Corcovado Railway. Christ the Redeemer quickly became a national symbol and was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

The monument attracts about 2 million visitors annually. In 2014, it was damaged by a lightning strike that hit its right thumb, later repaired. The statue has undergone several restorations, including tile replacement and cleaning. The outstretched arms span 28 meters, symbolizing welcome and peace. Beyond its religious significance, Christ the Redeemer is a cultural and tourist landmark with panoramic views of Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Christ the Redeemer?

Christ the Redeemer is 30 meters tall, excluding the 8-meter pedestal, for a total of 38 meters.

How long did it take to build the statue?

Construction took about nine years, from 1922 to 1931.

Has Christ the Redeemer ever been damaged by lightning?

Yes, in 2014 a lightning strike hit the statue's right thumb, which was repaired. The statue periodically suffers minor lightning damage.