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About Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer, standing on the Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. With its outstretched arms symbolizing peace and acceptance, this towering Art Deco statue offers breathtaking panora...

Also Known As

Cristo Redentor

Founded On

1931

Founded By

Heitor da Silva Costa

Quick Information

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Did you know?

The statue is 30 meters tall, with an additional 8-meter pedestal, making it 38 meters in total height. Its arms stretch 28 meters wide.

Due to its high altitude, the statue has been struck by lightning multiple times, including a notable incident in 2014 that damaged its thumb.

The concept for the statue was first proposed in the 1850s by Catholic priest Pedro Maria Boss but was not realized until the 1920s.

Getting to Christ the Redeemer

Who designed Christ the Redeemer?

The design and construction of Cristo Redentor were the result of a collaborative effort involving multiple architects, engineers, and sculptors from Brazil and France.

  • Heitor da Silva Costa – The Lead Architect: Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa was the mastermind behind the project. In 1921, he won the competition to design the statue and initially envisioned Christ holding a cross in one hand and a globe in the other. However, he later revised the design to depict Christ with outstretched arms, symbolizing peace and welcoming all.
  • Albert Caquot: French engineer Albert Caquot played a crucial role in designing the reinforced concrete structure, ensuring the statue's stability. His expertise allowed the massive statue to withstand strong winds and harsh weather conditions.
  • Paul Landowski: French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski crafted the statue’s head and hands. He created detailed molds in his Paris studio, which were later shipped to Brazil.
  • Gheorghe Leonida: Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida sculpted the face of Christ, giving it a serene and benevolent expression. His contribution brought lifelike details to the statue.

More about Christ the Redeemer

Design & architecture of Christ the Redeemer

Structure

Christ the Redeemer stands 38 meters (125 feet) tall, including its 8-meter (26-foot) pedestal, with an arm span of 28 meters (92 feet). Located on the 710-meter (2,329-foot) Corcovado Mountain, it offers panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro.

Structural challenges

Building on such a high, rocky peak was difficult, requiring a reinforced concrete core instead of metal, which would have been too heavy and weather-prone. Workers had to transport materials up the steep Corcovado Railway, and despite risky conditions, the statue was completed in five years (1926–1931) without any fatalities.

Symbolism

The statue’s outstretched arms form a 40-meter-wide (131-foot) cross, symbolizing peace, protection, and Christ’s embrace of humanity. It was built when the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm its influence in Brazil.

Materials

The Christ the Redeemer statue owes its smooth, enduring surface to thousands of soapstone tiles. Chosen for their resilience, these tiles were hand-placed by workers, many of whom, particularly the women, wrote messages or prayers on the back before securing them. These hidden messages are now a permanent part of the monument, adding a layer of personal meaning to this iconic symbol.

History of Cristo Redentor in a nutshell

  • Christ the Redeemer's history began in the mid-1850s when Vincentian priest Pedro Maria Boss proposed a Christian monument on Mount Corcovado to honor Princess Isabel of Brazil. However, the project was not approved, especially after Brazil became a republic in 1889, leading to the separation of church and state.
  • In 1920, motivated by concerns over secularism, the Catholic Circle of Rio revived the idea and organized "Semana do Monumento" to gather support and funds, primarily from Brazilian Catholics. The final design was selected in 1923. 
  • Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa designed the statue, with French sculptor Paul Landowski creating the head and hands. Structural calculations were done by Albert Caquot, a renowned French engineer. Construction began in 1926 and took five years, with materials transported via the Corcovado Railway.
  • Unveiled on October 12, 1931, the 38-meter-tall statue became a global symbol of faith and peace. It was later named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 and continues to attract millions of visitors annually.

Learn about Christ the Redeemer timings

Seven Wonders of the World

In 2007, Christ the Redeemer was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a prestigious global recognition awarded through a worldwide poll conducted by the New7Wonders Foundation. This list, determined by millions of votes, highlights remarkable human-made landmarks.

Christ the Redeemer earned its place due to its architectural brilliance, cultural significance, and status as a symbol of peace and faith. Towering at 38 meters, it is one of the world’s largest Art Deco statues and a defining feature of Rio de Janeiro’s skyline.

Beyond its religious importance, the statue represents Brazilian identity and unity, welcoming visitors from around the world. 

Frequently asked questions about Christ the Redeemer

When was Cristo Redentor completed?

The statue was completed in 1931 after being proposed in 1921 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro.

Why was Christ the Redeemer built?

It was built as a symbol of faith and unity, initiated by Brazil’s Catholic Church to reinforce religious devotion in the early 20th century.

How was Cristo Redentor constructed?

Contrary to popular belief, most parts of the statue were crafted in Brazil, not France. The statue is made from reinforced concrete and a mosaic of thousands of triangular soapstone tiles.

Why is Cristo Redentor considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World?

Christ the Redeemer was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders due to its iconic status and cultural significance, recognized globally after a voting process involving over 100 million people in 2007

What is the best time to visit Christ the Redeemer?

Early morning or late afternoon has fewer crowds and better lighting for photos. Avoid visiting on weekends and public holidays when it gets busiest.

Is Christ the Redeemer lit up at night?

Yes, the statue is illuminated at night, often in special colors for events and national celebrations.

Is Cristo Redentor accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, there are elevators and escalators at the summit to help visitors with mobility challenges reach the viewing platform.

What is the weather like at Cristo Redentor?

Rio’s weather is generally warm, but the mountaintop can be windy and cloudy. Check the forecast before visiting to get the best views.