Christ the Redeemer Statue

October 12th, 1931 - The Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) Statue is inaugurated atop Corcovado Mountain and after eighty years still reigns supreme in the hearts and imagination of millions across the globe. The Corcovado Mountain Statue is one of the most recognized monuments in the world as it welcomes visitors to Rio with its warm embrace.

According to historian and Professor Milton Teixeira, the statue was first conceived by Father Pedro Maria Boss, a Catholic priest in 1859. Father Boss' suggestion was brought to the attention of Princess Isabel who supported the idea but official support was not strong enough to advance the idea - even though the Catholic Church had significant influence within the Royal Family.

In 1912, (with Brazilian Independence and the creation of the Republic in 1891), the government was formally separated from the church. However, in 1912, Cardinal Dom Joaquim Arcoverde renewed the idea to build a Christ Statue, "as a way to show that the Church is present within the Brazilian people". (2009. Teixera).. Momentum for the idea grew and in 1922, the cornerstone for the statue was laid - by 1931, the Statue was completed and a global icon was born.

Check out the Virtual Tour

Christ the Redeemer Statue

There are five different views of the magnificent Christ the Redeemer Statue and its breathtaking surroundings. Viewers are treated to multiple views from each side of the statue that offer panoramic views of the Lagoa, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Tijuca Forest atop Corcovado as well as the marvelous city and ocean below. Source: AirPano.com

When you launch this virtual tour, open to the full screen, you will be presented with a map (on top right) with multiple Virtual Tour viewing points. To find the tours associated with the Christ the Redeemer Statue, choose the points encircled in red as demonstrated in the picture on the left side of this page. You can scroll over the map points to find the tour of your choice.

A Statue Becomes a Wonder of the World

Seventy-six years after its inauguration (July 7, 2007), the Statue of Christ the Redeemer was recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. With the recognition (and recent restoration), a visit to the top of Corcovado Mountain has increased in popularity. Pilgrims, tourists and Cariocas are all part of the 600,000+ visitors who travel up the cog railway to see the Christ Statue each year. Along with the statue, the view from the top of the mountain is awe inspiring as you stand 2,349 feet above the city.

You are able to look down upon the mighty Sugar Loaf Mountain, Lago Rodrigo de Freitas, Guanabara Bay and the famous Rio Beaches. One can also gaze out to more distant mountains that also come under the protective embrace of the Statue. The best time to visit Corcovado is on a bright sunny day. Sometimes in the early morning, the mist from the Tijuca Forest can impact the view, so find sometime on a cloudless afternoon for your best view.

The historic cog railway is by far the best way to reach the top. (Taxi drivers will also offer you a ride up - but we strongly recommend the cog railroad as part of the experience). You travel through the Tijuca Forest (the largest urban forest in the world) on a train ride that takes about 20 minutes. At the station's end, you will find a set of three panoramic elevators as well as escalators that allow you to reach the Statue's base. if you care to, you could also choose to climb the 220 steps to the base.

The statue is remarkable at 124 feet (38 meters) tall and the lines of its body and arms resemble a cross. Lie down below the statue and reflect upon the statue's face - Christ's serene face is strategically tilted downward and to the left so that it can be seen by the entire city. The outstretched arms are meant to be both a blessing and welcome to the city.

A modern boarding area, several shops and an auditorium / visitor's center where you can learn about the rich history of the Railroad and the Monument enrich the experience.

A visit to Corcovado and the Christ the Redeemer Statue is a wish fulfilled - don't miss it!

General Information:

Hours: Monday - Sunday- 8:30 am to 7 pm (08:30 - 19:00), Trains depart every half hour.

Costs:

Adults - R$ 36,00 --- Children (6 - 12 years) - R$ 18,00 --- Under 6 years - Free

Seniors (60+) - 50% discount (Wheel Chair Accessible)

Cash and most credit cards accepted (Checks are not accepted)