Christ redeemer corcovado

Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain is one of Brazil's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of Rio de Janeiro.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer is a 30-meter-tall Art Deco statue (including its 8-meter pedestal) located in Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro. Its construction was conceived after the Modern Art Week of 1922 and completed in 1931, funded by donations from Catholic faithful and the Brazilian government. Engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Paul Landowski led the project, while the casting was done in France and later transported to Brazil. The statue weighs 1,145 tons and is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, a material chosen for its resistance to weather. The outstretched arms measure 28 meters from tip to tip and symbolize welcome and peace. Christ the Redeemer was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, and has since become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country, receiving about 2 million visitors per year. In 2007, it was elected one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in an international poll organized by the New7Wonders Foundation. The view from the top of Corcovado encompasses Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio coastline, making the site a postcard of the city. The statue has undergone several restorations and special illuminations on commemorative dates, such as the blue light during the COVID-19 pandemic in honor of healthcare workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Christ the Redeemer including the pedestal?

The statue is 30 meters tall in total, with 22 meters for the figure of Christ and 8 meters for the pedestal.

Who designed and built Christ the Redeemer?

The project was led by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, with sculpture by Frenchman Paul Landowski. Many Brazilian and French professionals collaborated on the construction.

Has Christ the Redeemer been damaged by lightning?

Yes, the statue is frequently struck by lightning due to its height and location. In 2014, a lightning strike damaged the right thumb, which was later restored.