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Christ the Redeemer, an Art Deco statue atop Corcovado mountain, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Brazil and Rio de Janeiro.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer is a monumental statue of Jesus Christ atop Corcovado mountain in Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro. Standing 30 meters tall (including the 8-meter pedestal), the statue took nine years to build and was completed in 1931. The project was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French artist Paul Landowski, with contributions from painter Carlos Oswald. The structure is made of reinforced concrete and covered in soapstone, chosen for its durability and weather resistance.

The statue depicts Jesus with open arms spanning 28 meters, symbolizing peace and welcome. Construction required innovative solutions at the time, including an electric cog railway to transport materials up the mountain. Inaugurated on October 12, 1931, the feast day of Brazil's patron saint Our Lady of Aparecida, it quickly became a major tourist attraction, now drawing around 2 million visitors annually.

Christ the Redeemer is more than a religious symbol; it is a cultural icon listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2012 as part of the Carioca landscape. In 2007, it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global poll by the New7Wonders Foundation. The observation deck offers panoramic views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.

The statue has undergone several restorations, most recently in 2019, to repair cracks and water damage caused by lightning strikes. A lightning rod system has been in place since the beginning. Christ the Redeemer has hosted historic events, including Pope John Paul II's visit in 1980 and the opening ceremony of World Youth Day in 2013.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Christ the Redeemer?

The statue is 30 meters tall, including the 8-meter pedestal. The arm span measures 28 meters.

What is the best time to visit Christ the Redeemer?

Sunny weekday mornings offer the best visibility and fewer crowds. Avoid holidays and weekends.

Is Christ the Redeemer lit up at night?

Yes, the statue has a scenic lighting system that highlights it at night, making it visible from many points in the city.