Tag-Archive for » Rio de Janeiro «
In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, one of the world’s famous and most visited tourist attractions is the statue of Jesus Christ the Redeemer with open and welcoming arms. It is known to be an icon of Brazil and a symbol of Christianity for most Brazilians declare Catholicism as their religion. It is located at the summit of Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park. It stands 38 meters and weighs 635 tonnes. It offers breathtaking views of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain and Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches. At the base of the iconic monument, a small chapel was erected which can accommodate 150 people.
The huge statue was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and created by French monumental sculptor Paul Landowski. It was constructed using reinforced concrete with the outer layers made from soapstone. Other designs which were considered before the final design was chosen were representation of the Christian Cross, a statue of Jesus with a globe in his hands, and a pedestal symbolizing the world. The construction of the famous landmark took nine years to complete from 1922 to 1931. The cost of the monument was approximately about $250,000 with funds raised from donations.
This large Art Deco-style statue of Jesus was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, the day of Our Lady of Aparecida by President Getulio Vargas and Cardinal Dom Sebastiao Leme. It was declared as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World on July 7, 2007.