Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer is a monumental Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ located atop Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Standing 30 meters tall on an 8-meter pedestal, with arms stretching 28 meters wide, it is one of the largest statues of Jesus in the world and the largest Art Deco style sculpture globally. The statue was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski, with the face sculpted by Romanian artist Gheorghe Leonida. Constructed between 1922 and 1931 using reinforced concrete and covered with durable soapstone, it overlooks the city and Guanabara Bay, symbolizing peace and Christianity worldwide. It has become a cultural icon of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing the city's landscape. The statue also houses a chapel named after Brazil's patron saint, Our Lady of the Apparition, allowing religious ceremonies beneath it. Despite damage from lightning strikes in 2008 and 2014, extensive restorations have preserved its grandeur. The statue's open-armed pose conveys a message of welcoming and peace, making it a must-visit landmark that blends religious significance, artistic achievement, and breathtaking natural surroundings.
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Consejo: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy clearer views. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended due to high visitor volume. Be prepared for a climb or use the Corcovado rack railway for access. Weather can affect visibility, so check forecasts before your visit. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children. The site is managed by the Tijuca National Park authorities and the Archdiocese of Rio, ensuring well-maintained facilities and guided tours.
Datos interesantes
- •Christ the Redeemer is the largest Art Deco statue in the world.
- •The statue weighs approximately 635 metric tons and stands 30 meters tall, excluding its 8-meter pedestal.
- •Its arms span 28 meters wide, symbolizing a welcoming embrace.
- •The face was sculpted by Romanian artist Gheorghe Leonida.
- •The statue was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
- •Lightning strikes have damaged the statue multiple times, prompting restoration efforts.
- •The statue includes a chapel underneath dedicated to Our Lady of the Apparition, Brazil's patron saint.
Historia
The idea of erecting a Christian monument on Corcovado mountain was first proposed in the mid-1850s to honor Princess Isabel but was dismissed after Brazil became a republic in 1889 due to church-state separation.
Renewed efforts in 1920 by the Catholic Circle of Rio de Janeiro led to fundraising and design competitions, culminating in the selection of the open-armed Christ statue symbolizing peace.
Construction began in 1922, involving Brazilian and French engineers and sculptors, and was completed in 1931.
Since its inauguration, the statue has undergone multiple restorations, especially following lightning damage in 2008 and 2014, preserving its status as a religious and cultural landmark.
Guía del lugar
The Statue Itself1922-1931
The 30-meter tall statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms is the central attraction, symbolizing peace and welcoming. Made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, it offers a remarkable example of Art Deco sculpture.
Corcovado Mountain Peak
The statue is located on the 700-meter high peak of Corcovado mountain within Tijuca National Park, providing panoramic views over Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Our Lady of the Apparition Chapel2006
A chapel located beneath the statue's pedestal, consecrated in 2006, where religious ceremonies such as baptisms and weddings can be held.
