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
RECOMMENDED DURATION
3 hours
Timings
08:00–19:00
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.
Located on Corcovado Mountain, the colossal Christ the Redeemer statue commands attention. Its sheer size is breathtaking – standing 30 meters tall with arms outstretched 28 meters wide, it's a true feat of engineering and artistry. Crafted from reinforced concrete and soapstone, this monument is a global symbol of peace and welcome. As you see its details, you can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder.
One of the most popular and scenic ways to reach Christ the Redeemer is via the Corcovado Train. This historic railway, built in 1884, takes passengers through Tijuca National Park, offering a scenic, panoramic journey before reaching the summit.
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For a more flexible and direct option, you can take the official vans that depart from different locations in Rio. This is a great alternative, especially for those who want a quicker and more accessible journey.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The statue was completed in 1931 after being proposed in 1921 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro.
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.
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.
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
Early morning or late afternoon has fewer crowds and better lighting for photos. Avoid visiting on weekends and public holidays when it gets busiest.
Yes, the statue is illuminated at night, often in special colors for events and national celebrations.
Yes, there are elevators and escalators at the summit to help visitors with mobility challenges reach the viewing platform.
Rio’s weather is generally warm, but the mountaintop can be windy and cloudy. Check the forecast before visiting to get the best views.