Cristo redentor angle low

Low angle view of Christ the Redeemer, emphasizing the Art Deco statue's grandeur atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

About this subject

Christ the Redeemer is an iconic Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ located atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca National Park. Standing 30 meters tall (98 feet), with an additional 8-meter pedestal and a wingspan of 28 meters, the monument weighs approximately 1,200 tons. Construction took place between 1922 and 1931, led by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, who won a national design competition. The face was sculpted by Romanian artist Gheorghe Leonida, and French engineer Albert Caquot designed the structural framework. The statue is clad in thousands of soapstone tiles, chosen for durability and ease of shaping.

Inaugurated on October 12, 1931, the project was funded primarily by the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro and donations from Catholic faithful. Jesus' open arms symbolize welcome and blessing over the city. In 2007, the statue was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global poll. It is one of Brazil's most visited landmarks, attracting millions of tourists annually. From the summit at 710 meters above sea level, visitors enjoy panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, including Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Over the years, Christ the Redeemer has undergone several renovations. In 2010, a major restoration repaired damage from lightning strikes and weather. The statue is frequently illuminated in different colors for special events, such as Christmas and the FIFA World Cup. A notable fact: during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the monument was lit with the colors of participating nations' flags. The statue is struck by lightning about four times per year, but its lightning rods ensure structural integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Christ the Redeemer?

The statue is 30 meters (98 feet) tall, with an 8-meter (26-foot) pedestal, totaling 38 meters. Its arm span is 28 meters (92 feet).

When and by whom was Christ the Redeemer built?

It was built between 1922 and 1931, led by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, with face sculpted by Gheorghe Leonida and structural design by Albert Caquot.

Has Christ the Redeemer been struck by lightning?

Yes, the statue is struck about four times per year, but it has lightning rods that prevent major structural damage.