Statue of Christ, the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro

The Statue of Christ, the Redeemer is a Portuguese statue of Jesus Christ. It is one of the tallest statues in the world.

The statue is the symbol of Christianity and an icon of Rio and Brazil.  In Portugese, it is known as Cristo Redentor. The statue stands 39.6 metres (130 feet) tall, weighs 700 tons.

Location

The Statue of Christ is located at the peak of the 700-m (2296-foot) Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Historical Importance

In 1889, the first proposal to build a statue was rejected by the Princess Isabel because when Brazil became a Republic, the laws were mandating to separate the church and state. In 1921, the second proposal was made by the Archdiocese and he organized an event called Semana do Monumento which means Monument Week to collect the donations and the funds. The design first selected was a globe in the hands of the Christ and a pedestal symbolizing the world but afterwards statue of Christ, the Redeemer with open arms was selected.

The statue was designed by a local engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by Paul Landowski. The reinforced concrete stone for the monument was taken from Limhamn, in Malmo, Sweden.  The statue was built between 1926 and 1931.

The outer layers of the idol were constructed from a mosaic of soapstone because these materials were known to resist the extreme weather conditions. The only way to haul the large pieces of the statue to the crown of the mountain was through the Corcovado Railway way.

In October 2006, on the 75th anniversary of the statue, Archbishop of Rio Cardinal Eusebio Oscar Scheid consecrated a Chapel under it. This made the way to Catholics to hold baptisms and weddings there. On 7 July 2007, Christ, the Redeemer was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Nearby Attractions

Flamengo Park – It is the large park in the Flamengo neighbourhood, beside Guanabara Bay.

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden – It is a magnificent park founded in the early 19th century.

Quinta da Boa Vista – It is the site of the palace used by the emperors of Brazil.

Zoological Garden of Rio de Janeiro – It is located in the Quinta da Boa Vista and is filled with rich flora.

Passeio Público – It is the 18th century Public Garden in central Rio.

Parque Lage – It is an interesting place with woodland, gardens, aquaria and a children's playground.

How to reach

By Air: Rio de Janeiro Galeão Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport.
By Rail: Train: Rua Cosme Velho Station.
By Road: Coach: Novo Rio Coach Station