The Christ Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Originally proposed in 1921 by the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, it took nine years to construct. The statue, which is located on top the Corcovado Mountain, stands 130 feet tall and weighs 7 tons. A 28 meter tall replica of the statue called, Cristo-Rei, is located in Portugal.
The Creation
After a number of designs for the statue including a Cross, Jesus Christ holding a globe, and a Pedestal, the concept of a Christ with open arms was finally chosen. French sculptor Paul Landowski created the Christ Redeemer out of reinforced concrete rather than steel and used soapstone for the outer layers. After nine years of work, the monument officially opened on October 12, 1931.
Christ Redeemer Travel
References
Fast Facts
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Located in Rio de Janerio,Brazil
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Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007
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Width of statue's arms spans 30 meters
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Constructed from 1926-1931
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Designer
Heitor da Silva Costa
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Cost $250,000
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Struck by lightning on February 10, 2008 but remained unharmed
