Being one of the most important monuments in Brazil and the world, Christ has a history full of curiosities. Considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world, Christ the Redeemer is one of the country’s postcards and receives thousands of visitors throughout the year who want to discover its imposing beauty.
Opened in 1931 at the top of Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, the monument became an attraction among tourists and locals who wanted to see it. With almost 90 years of history, there are still those who don’t know it and haven’t surrendered to the charms of visiting it.
The story of Christ the Redeemer
The idea of creating a monument arose, at first, solely in the head of Father Pedro Maria Boss, who in 1859 devised a tribute to the figure of Christ with a religious sculpture at the top of Corcovado, presenting his proposal to Princess Isabel.
Although it was done very willingly, the project only got underway years later, in 1912. It was only in 1921 that it really took shape, with the image of Jesus with open arms being chosen, with the aim of blessing the population.
Carved in soapstone, the monument has a wingspan of 28 meters and weighs around 1,142 tons. Its official inauguration was in 1931, after 5 years of construction and assembly.
Designed by Brazilian Carlos Oswald and designed by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa with the collaboration of sculptor Paul Landowski, the sculpture featured molds of hands and head brought from France by ship.
A place of illustrious visits
Receiving thousands of visitors annually, Christ the Redeemer quickly became one of the main tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro, even receiving celebrities from all over the world who passed by to appreciate its beauty.
Names such as Princess Diana, Pope John Paul II and even the former president of the United States, Barack Obama, passed by. Even no less famous celebrities, such as singer Rihanna and Kim Kardashian, took photos at the monument.
Furthermore, Christ was the scene of several weddings, including that of the famous Brazilian DJ Alok, who exchanged rings with his beloved Romana Novais at the foot of the monument.
How to visit Christ the Redeemer
Unlike other tourist attractions in the city, the visit to Christ must be planned, as the ticket needs to be purchased in advance. Access to the statue is possible in two ways:
- By the Corcovado Train, which leaves from Cosme Velho;
- By official vans from the company Paineiras Corcovado, which depart from Copacabana, Barra da Tijuca and Largo do Machado.
For those who want to enjoy the landscape without major crowds, the ideal is to visit out of season, to prevent crowds from interfering with your trip. But, for those who risk meeting it on busy days, the tip is to go in comfortable clothes and with an extra dose of patience.
Furthermore, for those who want to live in Rio de Janeiro, know that far beyond the historical monuments, the city has a good infrastructure, which also allows you to have postcards practically in your backyard.
Whether in an apartment in Barra da Tijuca or in any other neighborhood in Rio, it is possible to enjoy the exuberant beauty of nature, without having to give up living in a large metropolis. Check out incredible apartments for sale in Rio de Janeiro with INVEXO, a real estate agency specializing in luxury properties in Rio de Janeiro.
