Regardless of whether you're a Catholic or not, there are some interesting facts about Christ the Redeemer that you probably don't know. From the height and width to the stone that was used to build it, here are some of the most intriguing facts.
First unveiled in 1931
Located on the summit of the 700-metre Corcovado mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue is an iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro. It was first unveiled in 1931 and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The sculpture is 30 meters high, and its arms are 92 feet wide.
The statue is constructed out of soapstone and reinforced concrete. It weighs 635 tonnes. It was built in an art deco style. It is decorated with thousands of mosaic soapstone tiles. The sculpture is waterproofed. It has also been reconstructed several times over the years.
The original design of the statue was created by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. It was intended to be the largest in the world at the time. The Catholic Church wanted the statue to act as a way to banish "godlessness" and reinstate faith.
Height
Located on top of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Christ the Redeemer is a famous Art Deco-style sculpture. It was designed by a French sculptor, Paul Landowski, and Brazilian engineer, Heitor da Silva Costa.
The Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the most famous Art Deco-style statues in the world. Originally, the design was a sculpture of Jesus with a cross in his hand, but later changed to a statue with his arms spread wide. The open-armed Christ was chosen as a symbol of Christianity. In 2007, the statue was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Christ the Redeemer is an iconic symbol of Christianity, and it is a symbol of the whole country of Brazil. The statue is a cultural icon, and it can be seen from almost any point in the city of Rio. The statue is made from reinforced concrete, and it is 98 feet high.
Width
Located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the colossal Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the city's most iconic attractions. With a height of 38 meters, the statue weighs more than a ton, and is a subject of ongoing maintenance and restoration. The statue is a work of art, but it is also a technological marvel.
The statue's most impressive feat is the internal structure. French engineer Albert Caquot designed the sculpture's internal structure. The statue is made of reinforced concrete and covered with triangular soapstone tiles.
The statue was a product of a collaborative effort between French sculptor Paul Landowski, Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, and French architect Albert Caquot. The project took five years to complete, and the finished product was a tad over two hundred thousand dollars.
Stone used to build it
Thousands of mosaic soapstone tiles cover the exterior surface of the statue. They give Christ a mystic aura. The outer layer of soapstone tiles also acts as an insulator, providing the statue with protection from extreme weather conditions.
Soapstone is a soft, heat-resistant stone that is durable and easy to carve. The Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa chose this type of stone from a quarry in the city of Ouro Preto.
It was used to build the Christ the Redeemer statue in the 1920s. This large monument draws nearly two million tourists each year. It is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Illuminated with names of COVID-19 victims
During a coronavirus pandemic, the Christ the Redeemer was lit up to show solidarity with the victims of this deadly virus. The iconic statue, located in Rio de Janeiro, was illuminated with a number of flags representing countries affected by the outbreak, ranging from the USA to China. It is also a popular tourist destination.
As part of the celebration, a special ceremony was held on Corcovado's eponymous hill. The event, dubbed the "For Every Life" was a salute to the 60,000 victims of the pandemic in Brazil, a number that has risen to 500,000 worldwide. The ceremony, which included music and prayers, recognized the "fortunes of the victims, the selfless efforts of the medical personnel and the unsung heroes who have worked so hard to protect others."
The statue is made of reinforced concrete and has a shell of 6 million soapstone tiles. The statue stands a majestic 98 feet tall. It was originally built as a globe but its mission was changed to hold a cross.
Best time to see it
Located on top of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer is one of the city's most popular landmarks. The 30 meter tall statue was built by French sculptor Paul Landowski. The statue is crafted from reinforced concrete and sits on an eight meter pedestal.
There is not a single definitive answer to the question, "When is the best time to see the Christ the Redeemer." It is best to visit during low or non-peak seasons. This is when you are sure to see the best view of the statue. The highest vantage point is around sunrise or sunset. The views from Sugarloaf are also impressive.
