Cristo Redentor Overview | Design, Meaning & Legacy

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Christ the Redeemer Tickets with Corcovado Train Transfer

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Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car Tickets

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Combo (Save 5%): Christ the Redeemer with Train Transfer + Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car Tickets

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Christ the Redeemer Tickets with Van Transfer

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Things to see at Christ the Redeemer

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Christ the Redeemer statue itself

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.

Corcovado Mountain and its viewpoints

At 710 meters above sea level, Corcovado Mountain offers some of the best panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. From the summit, you can see famous landmarks such as:

Sugarloaf Mountain – A towering granite peak that offers cable car rides.

Copacabana Beach – One of Rio’s most famous beaches, known for its golden sands.

Guanabara Bay – A bay with numerous islands, historic forts, and the Rio-Niterói Bridge.

Maracanã Stadium – One of the world's most famous football stadiums.

The Tijuca Forest – A tropical rainforest surrounding Corcovado, home to waterfalls, trails, and diverse wildlife.

Whether visiting during the day or at sunset, the views from Corcovado are breathtaking.

The viewing platform

Want the best views of Rio? Head to the observation deck at Christ the Redeemer. This huge platform offers a 360-degree perspective, showing the city's stunning coastline and landmarks. It's the perfect spot for photos, so don't forget your camera! Pro tip: Arrive early or late to avoid the biggest crowds. You'll also find cafes and souvenir shops nearby, making it easy to grab a bite to eat or pick up a memento of your visit.

The Chapel of Our Lady of Aparecida

Beyond the breathtaking views and the sheer scale of Christ the Redeemer, there's another reason to visit Cristo Redentor. At the base, you'll discover a charming Catholic chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil. This small, cozy chapel hosts small religious ceremonies, weddings, and special masses.

The Tijuca National Park

Christ the Redeemer is located within Tijuca National Park, a vast rainforest home to exotic wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. Nature lovers can explore nearby attractions like:

Vista Chinesa – A stunning viewpoint inspired by Chinese architecture

Cascatinha Taunay – A picturesque waterfall

Paineiras Trail – A hike leading up to Corcovado

Getting to Christ the Redeemer

By Train – The Historic Corcovado Railway

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.

Key Details:

Departure Point: Cosme Velho Station
Journey Duration: 20 minutes

Things to Keep in Mind:

Tickets often sell out in advance, so pre-booking is recommended
Expect up to 3-hour wait times during peak hours

Getting to Christ the Redeemer

By Van – Official Christ the Redeemer Vans

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.

Van Departure Points:

Largo do Machado (City Center): Best for tourists staying in central Rio
Copacabana (South Zone): Convenient for visitors staying near the beach
Things to Keep in Mind:

Journey Duration: 30–40 minutes (varies by departure point)
Good for those with limited time or mobility concerns
The ride may be bumpy due to the winding roads

Visit 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

Christ the Redeemer statue photos

tourist at view point of 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.

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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.