Christ redeemer corcovado

Christ the Redeemer, an Art Deco statue atop Corcovado Mountain, is one of Brazil's most iconic landmarks, built between 1922 and 1931.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer is a 30-meter-tall statue (including the 8-meter pedestal) located atop Corcovado Mountain, 710 meters above sea level, within the Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro. Its construction was conceived to commemorate the centenary of Brazil's independence in 1922, but the work was only completed in 1931. Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa led the project, while French sculptor Paul Landowski sculpted the head and hands. The statue is covered in soapstone, a durable and easy-to-maintain material, and its internal structure is reinforced concrete.

The project was funded mainly by donations from Catholic faithful and involved many professionals. The monument was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, the feast day of Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil's patron saint. Christ the Redeemer is one of the country's most recognized symbols and was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. It receives about 2 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Brazil.

Trivia includes that the statue has been struck by lightning several times, most notably in 2014, when a bolt damaged the right thumb. Additionally, Christ the Redeemer has been the site of historic events, such as papal masses and cultural demonstrations. Corcovado Mountain offers a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the height of Christ the Redeemer?

Christ the Redeemer is 30 meters tall including the 8-meter pedestal. The statue itself is 22 meters high, with an arm span of 28 meters.

How was Christ the Redeemer built?

Construction took place from 1922 to 1931. Engineer Heitor da Silva Costa led the project, while French sculptor Paul Landowski and engineer Albert Caquot handled the artistic and structural aspects. The statue is made of reinforced concrete covered in soapstone.

Why is Christ the Redeemer so important?

It is a symbol of Christianity and Rio de Janeiro, recognized worldwide as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It attracts millions of tourists and represents Brazilian hospitality.