Cristo redentor statue

Christ the Redeemer is a 38-meter Art Deco statue in Rio de Janeiro, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of Brazil, inaugurated in 1931.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer, located atop Corcovado Mountain at 710 meters above sea level, is one of the most recognized monuments worldwide. Designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French artist Paul Landowski, the statue was built between 1922 and 1931. Its structure is reinforced concrete covered with soapstone mosaic tiles, chosen for durability and weather resistance.

Standing 30 meters tall (plus an 8-meter pedestal) with a 28-meter arm span, the statue weighs approximately 1,145 tonnes. In 2007, it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global poll. The monument is a major religious landmark, drawing millions of visitors annually, especially during Easter and Christmas when special lighting is used.

The tilt-shift photographic technique, which creates a miniature effect, is often employed to emphasize the statue's grandeur against Rio's urban landscape. The summit offers panoramic views including Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Christ the Redeemer has been listed by Brazil's National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) since 1973 and is part of Tijuca National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact height of Christ the Redeemer?

The statue is 30 meters tall, with an 8-meter pedestal, totaling 38 meters. The arm span is 28 meters.

What material is Christ the Redeemer made of?

The structure is reinforced concrete covered with soapstone mosaic tiles, a material resistant to corrosion and weather changes.

Who designed and sculpted the monument?

The design was by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, and the sculpture was executed by French artist Paul Landowski. The hands and face were modeled by Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida.