Cristo redentor angle low

An unusual perspective of Christ the Redeemer, iconic monument of Rio de Janeiro and UNESCO World Heritage site, captures its grandeur from a radical low angle.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer, located atop Corcovado Mountain at 710 meters above sea level, is one of the most famous Art Deco statues in the world. Inaugurated on October 12, 1931, after nine years of construction, the work of engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Paul Landowski stands 30 meters tall (38 meters including pedestal) and weighs 1,145 tons. Made of reinforced concrete and clad in soapstone, the statue depicts Jesus Christ with open arms, symbolizing peace and welcome.

The location was not chosen by chance: Corcovado Mountain, already known for its privileged view of the city, has been a tourist and religious site since the 19th century, when a small chapel existed there. Construction involved several countries: parts of the statue were manufactured in France and assembled in Brazil. Christ the Redeemer was elected one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World in 2007, receiving millions of visitors annually.

Beyond its religious significance for Catholics, Christ the Redeemer is a Brazilian cultural icon, appearing in films, music, and advertising campaigns. The observation deck offers a 360-degree panorama of the city, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. The monument is illuminated at night and has undergone several restorations, such as cleaning the soapstone and replacing the lighting system with LEDs.

Trivia: the statue's arms measure 28 meters from tip to tip; the pedestal houses a chapel with capacity for 150 people; and the Christ has been struck by lightning several times, one in 2014 damaging the right thumb. Maintenance is constant, with climbing teams scaling the structure for repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Christ the Redeemer?

The statue is 30 meters tall, and with the pedestal it reaches 38 meters.

In which year was it inaugurated?

It was inaugurated on October 12, 1931.

Why is the statue made of soapstone?

Soapstone was chosen for its resistance to weather and ease of maintenance, as well as providing a smooth finish.