Cristo redentor angle low

Low-angle view of Christ the Redeemer, a 30-meter art deco monument atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer is a 30-meter tall statue of Jesus Christ (38 meters including the pedestal) located atop Corcovado Mountain at 710 meters above sea level in Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro. Inaugurated on October 12, 1931, after about nine years of construction, it was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French artist Paul Landowski, with Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida responsible for the face. The statue is made of reinforced concrete and covered with a mosaic of glass and soapstone tiles, which resist weathering and give it a light color.

One of the most iconic symbols of Brazil and Christianity, Christ the Redeemer was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, in a poll by the New7Wonders Foundation. Its outstretched arms span 28 meters, symbolizing welcome and peace. The Corcovado location offers panoramic views of the city, Guanabara Bay, and Sugarloaf Mountain, attracting around 2 million visitors annually.

Construction faced logistical and financial challenges. Funds were raised through donations from Catholics and organizations. Components were transported by train up the mountain using the Corcovado Railway. Night lighting was inaugurated in 1932 and has been modernized several times. In 2010, the monument underwent a major restoration, including cleaning and replacement of damaged tiles.

Trivia: in 2020, Christ the Redeemer was lit with colors of flags of countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as a gesture of solidarity. It has also hosted projections of messages about peace, the environment, and human rights. The statue has been listed by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) since 1973.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact height of Christ the Redeemer?

The statue is 30 meters tall, but with the 8-meter pedestal it reaches 38 meters. Corcovado Mountain itself is 710 meters above sea level.

What material is Christ the Redeemer made of?

The structure is reinforced concrete covered with mosaic tiles of glass and soapstone (steatite), a durable and low-maintenance material.

How many people visit Christ the Redeemer each year?

Approximately 2 million tourists visit the monument annually, making it one of Brazil's most popular attractions.