Consider the arms outstretched. The Christ the Redeemer statue is not in London, but it is an iconic symbol recognized worldwide. It stands tall in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This statue represents hope, peace, and the welcoming embrace of Jesus Christ.
Christ the Redeemer is a colossal Art Deco statue. It is the largest Art Deco statue in the world. The statue has become emblematic of Rio de Janeiro. It has also become emblematic of the whole nation of Brazil.
Imagine standing at the summit of Mount Corcovado. Here is the statue of Christ the Redeemer. It stands 98 feet tall. Its outstretched arms span 92 feet. The pose depicts a cross.
The statue is made of reinforced concrete. Thousands of triangular soapstone tiles cover the concrete. The statue sits on a pedestal about 26 feet high. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rio.
The idea for a Christian monument on Mount Corcovado arose in the 1850s. Vincentian priest Pedro Maria Boss suggested it. He wanted to honor Isabel. She was the princess regent of Brazil. The project was not approved at that time.
In 1921, the Roman Catholic archdiocese proposed building a statue of Christ. It would be on the 2,310-foot summit. Its commanding height would make it visible from anywhere in Rio. Citizens petitioned President Epitácio Pessoa. They requested permission to construct the statue.
Permission was granted. The foundation stone was laid on April 4, 1922. This commemorated Brazil’s centennial of independence from Portugal. A competition was held to find a designer. Heitor da Silva Costa was chosen. His sketches depicted Christ holding a cross.
Brazilian artist Carlos Oswald amended the plan. He envisioned Christ standing with arms spread wide. French sculptor Paul Landowski collaborated on the final design. He is credited as the primary designer of the head and hands.
Funds were raised privately. Construction began in 1926. It continued for five years. Materials and workers were transported via railway. The statue was dedicated on October 12, 1931.
Over the years, Christ the Redeemer has undergone repairs and renovations. In 1980, it was thoroughly cleaned. This prepared it for Pope John Paul II’s visit. A major project took place in 2010. The surface was repaired and refurbished.
Escalators and panoramic elevators were added beginning in 2002. Previously, tourists climbed more than 200 steps. In 2006, a chapel was consecrated at its base. It honored Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil.
Christ the Redeemer is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was chosen in a global poll in 2007. UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 2012.
The statue can withstand wind speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour. Lightning strikes the statue between three and five times a year. Lightning rods divert most of the strikes.
Every year, almost two million people visit Christ the Redeemer. It remains a symbol of faith. It represents hope and the welcoming spirit of Brazil. Its image is forever etched in the hearts of those who behold it. It inspires awe and reverence.