The Christ the Redeemer statue (Brazil) is a cultural symbol of the country. The tallest statues of Jesus Christ in the world, which many have never heard of

The Statue of Christ the Redeemer is the second largest Art Deco structure in the world. This monumental symbol of Christianity, the statue with outstretched arms over the city, is the main decoration of the city. So, which city was honored to have a unique monument? What country? The statue of Christ the Redeemer is installed in Rio de Janeiro. Tourists are eager to visit Brazil to see it with their own eyes.

Seven wonders of the world

Everyone knows amazing monuments of art Ancient world: Egyptian pyramids, the sphinx, Semiramis, at Olympia, the mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes and

The statue of Christ the Savior is a unique, but not the only structure on our planet that deserves attention. In 2007, it was decided to create a list of famous modern architectural structures to select the New Seven Wonders of the World. These included the pyramids of Giza, Chichen Itza, Taj Mahal, Petra, Machu Picchu, the Colosseum and the statue of Christ the Redeemer. It’s the latter that we’ll be talking about today, so let’s move to Brazil and see what’s interesting here.

Rio de Janeiro - the pearl of Brazil

Every tourist dreams of visiting this fantastic city. European architecture, a sea of lights, luxury jewelry stores and even a Jewelry Museum. Even more famous local beaches: delicate snow-white sand and gentle ocean give true pleasure. Botanical Garden with fountains and magnificent alleys, it is perfect for leisurely walks.

Rio has a ton of architectural monuments, which can be visited, and the most famous among them is the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Mount Corcovado. You can see it hundreds of times on TV or on the Internet, but you will never experience the awe that covers everyone who finds themselves at the foot of the giant at an altitude of 704 meters above sea level.

A little history

Every year thousands of tourists come to the city where the statue of Christ the Savior is located. This stunning sculpture does not leave indifferent even atheists who are far from the Christian faith.

The peak on which the statue was later erected was called “Mountain of Temptation” back in the 14th century. Its unusual shape later led to a name change, and it became known as Corcovado, which translated into Russian means “hunchback.”

In 1859, before a series of research expeditions, the clergyman of the Catholic Church, Pedro Maria Boss, visited here. Captivated by the picturesque beauty of these places, he decided to erect a statue of Christ on the mountain, which would serve as a symbol of protection and protect the city. It is not without reason that the city of Rio de Janeiro was chosen as the location where the statue of Christ the Savior is located. Stunning panorama of the city, bays with picturesque mountain Sugarloaf and the lacy coastline are associated with nothing other than a picture of a modern paradise.

Project competition

The church was not ready to implement such a large-scale project at its own expense, so the project was postponed and construction of a railroad began, which was supposed to help in the delivery of building materials.

In 1921, a festival called "Monument Week" was organized. During the event, donations were collected for construction.

Since the city where the statue of Christ the Savior found its permanent place was so actively involved in the implementation of this plan, it was decided to announce a competition for the best project. Architects and engineers immediately responded, offering dozens of different options for consideration. The city administration chose the design of Heitor da Silva Costa: his statue maximally expressed the idea of Christianity, since the figure with outstretched arms resembled a cross.

I must say that the project has undergone some changes. After much debate, engineers replaced the ball-shaped pedestal, symbolizing the earth, with a rectangular one. A small chapel was built there, which is still in use today. The pedestal was made of marble.

Location

Construction lasted about 9 years, from 1922 to 1931. It was truly a huge project. At that time, the country was not technically ready to create such a miracle as the statue of Christ the Savior, so it was decided to produce all the parts in France and then deliver them by rail to the top of Mount Corcovado. Here they were met by local craftsmen and sculptors who carried out the assembly. The figure is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone.

October 12, 1931 took place Grand opening and the dedication of the statue. From the final route of the railway to the top of the mountain, a winding staircase was made, consisting of 220 steps, along which numerous pilgrims, tourists and townspeople climbed. Since then, on the majestic Mount Corcovado, rising 704 meters above sea level, in a mysterious haze of clouds and fog, there has been a beautiful statue of Christ the Savior. The city, under the powerful protection of Jesus, spreads out with a fantastic vision that makes your heart skip a beat... The statue has become a symbol of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil.

Description

The idea of the figure of Christ standing with outstretched arms suggests that all things are in the hands of the Lord. The statue can be seen from anywhere in the city, at any time of the day. It looks especially charming in the rays of the setting sun from the helicopter window. Private companies provide this service: a slow flight around the monumental figure of Christ in a circle. Its height together with the pedestal is impressive - 39.6 meters, and its arm span is 30 meters. The giant weighs more than 1100 tons!

Time travel

To immerse yourself in the era of the creation of the monument, you should use ancient transport, preserved since 1896. The antique-looking tram still runs today, connecting the upper and lower levels of the city. Just imagine that it is more than 100 years old, and the past decades immediately appear before your eyes...

The journey will be slow and will give you the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views. Creaking on turns and struggling up a steep climb, the tram brings you to the foot of the stairs leading to the observation deck. Just 220 steps - and you are at the statue. From this angle, the pedestal looks much more impressive, partly because the natural pedestal is the mountain itself. Many people talk about a special, mysterious aura enveloping the figure. It’s hard to disagree with this, because next to such a work of art you experience mystical awe.

You shouldn’t luxuriate in bed for a long time if you decide to take a journey to beauty. The statue of Christ the Savior is located in one of the most visited cities, so the influx of tourists here is very large. Closer to noon, you risk being stuck in line for a long time. Both the ski lift, the tram, and the stairs themselves have limited capacity, so early in the morning - best time for an excursion.

There are no problems with transport here: every 30 minutes a train leaves the city and takes those interested to the monument. The journey will take very little time, about 20 minutes. If you don't want to part with personal transport, then at the foot of the statue there is a good parking lot. From here you can climb on foot or use a modern elevator. Today it is possible to take an escalator or cable car, so if you have small children or elderly people with you, do not worry that the load will be too much for them.

Don’t rush to leave the site after visiting the statue: go on a tour of the museum Naive art, walk through the magnificent forest on your own or in the company of a guide. Clean air, clear rivers and lakes, exotic wildlife - all this will give you many vivid impressions.

Statue doubles

The popularity of the monument led to the construction of a number of later analogues. In Lisbon in the mid-90s of the twentieth century, a 28-meter statue was erected. Instead of a 700-meter mountain, a pedestal 80 meters high was used.

A similar statue with outstretched arms, 32 meters high, was erected in Vietnam.

In Indonesia, just a few years ago, the construction of a 30-meter monument to Christ was completed, and this despite the fact that the country is Muslim.

Time, nature, elements

For less than 100 years, the statue did not experience any serious shocks. Storms and hurricanes that destroyed everything in their path did not harm her, nor did the lightning that often struck her. Some consider this to be a property; others see it as having a sacred meaning. During one of the strong thunderstorms, lightning broke off two fingers from Christ’s hand. The church keeps a reserve of the stone from which the monument is made, and reconstruction of this most valuable historical object is expected in the near future.

Cultural heritage is a reflection of the people who created it. The Christ the Redeemer statue is an eloquent proof of Brazil's greatness: a magnificent work of art located in the most beautiful city in the world.

View of Corcovado Hill before the construction of the statue

The name Corcovado means "Brokeback Mountain", "Humpback". The hill received it for the shape of its peak, which is the most high point terrain. The idea of building a grandiose sculpture of Christ here appeared back in 1859, but then its implementation was impossible, despite the persuasion of church leaders - the country simply did not have enough funds. The decision was postponed until better times. In 1884, construction of a small railway was completed that led to the top of Corcovado.

Construction of the statue of Christ the Redeemer

In 1921, when the idea of the monument was remembered again, it was along these routes that materials were transported. A year before the celebration of the centenary of Brazil's independence from Portugal, Catholic organizations in Rio nevertheless initiated the construction of the statue. Such a sculpture was supposed to become a symbol of national liberation and Christianity in general.

However, no money was allocated from the state treasury, so during the so-called “Monument Week”, charitable donations were collected from citizens. The latter liked the idea of erecting a monument, and in a short period more than 2.5 million reais were collected. The church community also made large donations.

Stairs leading to the Statue

Artist Carlos Oswald was the author of the first sketch. It was he who came up with the idea of building a sculpture with outstretched arms, which from a distance would resemble a large cross. This gesture means "Everything is in God's hands" and is also a symbol of blessing. Initially, according to the project, the figure of Christ stood on a spherical pedestal, a stylized Earth. However, it was very difficult to make such a large, stable structure, so engineer Hector de Silva Costa changed the base to a rectangular one, which was erected.

It was planned to complete the construction in a year, but due to the scale of the work, it took 9 years, and the statue of Christ the Redeemer was opened only in 1931. For technical reasons, it was impossible to produce such a large sculpture in Brazil at that time, so the steel frame and other parts were made in France. The main materials were reinforced concrete and soapstone (soapstone). Interestingly, the final modeling of Jesus’ hands and head was done by a French, not a Brazilian specialist, Paul Landowski.

The finished parts were transported to Rio and transported by rail to the top of the mountain, where installation was carried out. In 1931, the statue was solemnly presented to the townspeople. The first consecration was carried out on the opening day, and the second consecration was carried out in 1965 by Pope Paul VI. The lighting was installed at the same time.

Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil

The statue of Christ the Redeemer is the tallest object in the entire area, so every year it repeatedly falls victim to lightning strikes. The local diocese even keeps a supply of facing soapstone in case urgent repairs are needed. However, since 2010, when the monument was equipped with new lightning rods, not a single serious damage from lightning has been recorded.

It is interesting that during the installation of this grounding, the sculpture was subjected to the only attack in its history by vandals. Having climbed the scaffolding at night, they painted the face and hands of Christ with black paint. Traces of hooliganism were promptly removed by the construction team.

The fact that for so many years lightning has never seriously damaged the statue is associated by believers with the special holiness of the place. However, scientists are more skeptical, because soapstone is a good dielectric, capable of almost instantly extinguishing even a very strong discharge. In numerous photographs you can see impressive moments of lightning striking the statue, which, however, did not cause any damage.

The train that brings most tourists does not reach the sculpture itself - you will have to walk from the carriage to the observation deck. A winding, steep staircase of 220 steps leads there. This building was nicknamed “Karakol”, which means “Snail”. Since 2003, travelers have the opportunity to visit the observation terrace using an escalator.

In 2007, the monument was included in the list of Seven Wonders of the World modern world according to the results of the national vote.

Under the statue of Christ the Redeemer there is a small church where services, baptisms and weddings are constantly held. Catholic chapel can accommodate up to 100 people. There is a souvenir shop nearby.

Wherever you go in Rio, this statue will be visible from anywhere in the city, so the monument is easy to use as a landmark. Modern illumination in dark time day creates a stunning effect: it seems that the light comes from inside the figure and Christ hovers over the falling asleep city, blessing it.

For many travelers, as well as local residents, the sculpture is not only a landmark, but also a Christian shrine. There is a belief that by climbing the steps of the stairs, a person is purified, and by the time of his visit to the top, his sins are forgiven. However, the escalator here was still installed for the elderly and those with special physical needs or poor health.

Doubles of the Redeemer

After the erection of this statue in different countries ah world, similar monuments began to appear:

Christ the King, Lisbon (Portugal);
Jesus with outstretched arms, Vung Tau (Vietnam);
sculpture of the Savior, Monado (Indonesia, Sulawesi);
monument in Dili (East Timor);
similar sculptures are found in Honduras, Malta, Italy and the Dominican Republic.

These figures differ from each other in details, but the general composition and pose remain unchanged. Some of the sculptures are even installed underwater, which makes them mysterious and mystical.

How to get there

To visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer, you need to drive to the foot of Mount Corcovado. A small electric train departs from there and will take you straight along the route. Along the way, he will make several stops where everyone can buy, for example, water, which is sold by enterprising local residents.

You can also get here by highway using car rental or taxi services. Either way, you will pass through the picturesque Tijuca Park. This is the world's largest forest plantation within a city. Local exotic plant varieties grow here and the fauna is richly represented.

Cost and procedure for visiting

The price of a train ticket is about 51 reais. Don't forget to bring money for souvenirs; however, they are quite expensive at the Corcovado observation decks. The cost of transfer down is already included in the ticket price. You will need to present it twice, so it is strongly recommended that you keep it. travel document intact until the end of the trip. From the train or car you will have to walk along Ulitka or use the escalator.

The electric train runs every 20 minutes from 8.30 to 18.30. It is advisable to choose the morning on a clear day for sightseeing. This way you can avoid the midday heat and meeting with big amount other tourists while enjoying panoramic view to Rio.

If you wish, you can book a helicopter tour to the monument and admire it from a bird's eye view. The cost of such entertainment is about $150.

The official address of the attraction is: Parque Nacional da Tijuca - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Opening hours - from 8.00 to 19.00.

When traveling to Brazil, you should definitely visit this famous monument. The statue of Christ the Redeemer is stunning in scale and beauty; from the top of Corcovado there is a magnificent view of the city.

View of Rio

It is known that the city of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main cities in Brazil, especially for tourists. In addition, it preserved the former glory and beauty of the capital until 1960. The statue of Jesus Christ amazingly decorates the city and gives everyone a feeling of security. It glows at night and can be seen from afar. I lived far away, under a mountain, but even from there I saw the bright purple light of Jesus soaring at night.

However, the statue is not visible from all parts of Rio de Janeiro. The mountain on which it stands is called Corcovado, translated as “hump”. It is truly curved in this shape and is perfectly suited for the construction of such a masterpiece. Its height is 704 meters!

How the monument was invented

I wondered where the origins of the attraction come from. In 1885, a railway was built to Mount Corcovado, and a train began to fly up. This was the very first electrified road in Brazil! At first, transport was useful to transport cargo. Over time, it became the main transport artery for tourists.

It all started back in 1922. It was the year of the centenary when the country gained independence, and then it was decided to create a unique monument that would become a symbol of Brazil. What will make the country even more famous?

There was a competition for the best offer. All members of the jury liked Hector da Silva Costa's idea. This was an unequivocal decision, approved by the Catholic bishopric. The city received protection in the form of the bird-hands of Jesus Christ. The monument was built with the money of parishioners too.

I am very interested in the fact that a “Monument Week” was held, as a result of which the people of Brazil themselves collected money by coin. The amount is significant even today - 250 thousand dollars. At that time it was a lot of money. This showed the clear interest of the common people in the construction of the monument and the enormous unity of the Brazilians. The entire construction took 9 years. The sculpture was made in France. There was even an idea to make Jesus Christ holding the globe in his hands, but the final version was invented by Paul Landowski. A master from Romania, Gheorghe Leonida, also worked on it. Many factors were taken into account, first of all, that thunderstorms, rain and strong winds at the height of the statue should not be disturbed.

History of the creation of the monument

The sculpture was transported across the ocean in a disassembled state. I was delighted that during the entire 10 years of construction, the sculptors selflessly and ascetically lived in the forest on the mountain under a simple canopy. It turned out to be a miracle! The height of the statue's pedestal is 8 meters, so the total height of the monument is 38 meters. A total weight of 1,145 tons had to be lifted to Mount Corcovado. Of these, the gigantic Jesus Christ weighs 635 tons.

It is interesting that the sculpture is constantly exposed to wind, rain and lightning; it is good that this was taken into account during construction.

Damaged areas are quickly restored; for this purpose, the church keeps a stock of similar stones. The material of the statue is reinforced concrete and talc chloride. Even the strongest hurricanes in Rio do not touch the statue. There is an idea that she is protected by divine power. From a scientific point of view, the soapstone base of the material simply extinguishes lightning. In October 1931, its grand opening took place. The monument was illuminated by Pope Paul 6 in 1965.

The history of the creation of the Jesus Christ light

The illumination of Jesus Christ was also created only in 1930. First, they asked a professional from Rome to conduct it in a completely extraordinary way using a radio wave. We did it, but during the rain the equipment began to work poorly, and we immediately had to replace it with a local, simpler one.

Only in 2000, after all the work on the restoration of the monument, modern and best lighting was finally carried out. Today the monument to Jesus Christ appeared before me as new, clean, snow-white, without traces of corrosion, with luxurious stone stairs and railings, brightly illuminated with colored lights at night.

How to get to the statue

It’s easier to get to the statue of Christ on your own without any tours. There is a metro nearby. The fare is approximately 1.5 dollars (5 reais). Get to the Largo do Machado station and take one of the buses heading to Corcovado right at the exit.

For example, bus No. 583 goes from Capacabana beach to the monument and bus No. 584 goes back. From Ipanema there are buses No. 570, 583, 574. The final stop is called Cosmo Velho, from where transport goes to the mountain. The fare is the same as the metro. Responsive locals are always happy to suggest the right bus.

Travel agencies, for a fee of 12-15 dollars (40-50 reais), will take you there in half an hour by minibus to the top, if you are not able to stand in line for the train.

Climbing to the top

You can get up to the statue itself in several ways:

All day they sell tickets for the train, which makes its way right through the jungle along the serpentine road up the hill - even quite scary. The cost of the trip is $15 (50 reais).
Another option is a bus going along the usual road up, also in the middle of the forest.

For me, traveling by train is much more romantic, especially since the windows are open and the movement is almost vertical among the trees. Below me, mountain cliffs, forest depressions and ocean views gradually opened up. This is the Tijuca National Park, the largest forest area on the planet within the city. I kept expecting to see a monkey or other animal along the way.

There is quite a long queue to get to the train; tickets are sold for a specific time.

From 8.30 am to 6.30 pm a train departs every 20 minutes. The capacity of the train, even with two cars, is large, and the queue moves quickly. I observed people from all over the world patiently waiting for the rise. It's easy to make interesting acquaintances while in line. Everywhere in the hall there are huge videos showing the journey on a train through the forest and what awaits you at the top. This is inspiring!

There is a small shop right in front of the entrance. I went there just to admire or to buy a small or medium-sized statue of Christ as a souvenir worth 10-30 dollars (30-100 reais). There are also other souvenirs with Brazilian symbols for an average of 6 dollars (20 reais). Having waited in line, I rode on a two-car train; at the stops, tireless merchants made money from those who did not have time to buy water. In my opinion, it is better to take the necessary food and refreshments with you in advance.

Areas near the statue of Christ

You only have to walk 40 meters from the station, and you, like me, will find yourself next to the wonder of the world. I climbed exactly 220 steps, it was quite easy. Such moments are remembered for a long time.

The staircase has a special name - “Karakol” or “Snail”. There are also escalators, but they're not that interesting! In my opinion, the statue has a special inner strength invested in it both by its creators, parishioners, endless visitors, and by the image itself. Millions of people are drawn here, the queue never stops. The height of Jesus is 30 meters, the width of the arms hugging the city is 23 meters. The left hand is aimed at the northern part of Rio de Janeiro, and the right hand is aimed at the southern side of the city. Thus, the statue is located almost opposite the center.

Standing next to it, it no longer seems that the monument is big, you don’t even want to think about it, you get a feeling of the solemnity of the moment and a desire to be alone with the statue, which is impossible. I had the feeling that he really hugged everyone with love. Up close, Jesus is snow-white.

Overview of Rio de Janeiro from Mount Corcovado

Top view of coastline and the city is stunning, thin clouds slowly float through the statue. According to my observations, it is better to choose a sunny day, this is very important. In clear weather the view will be stunning - all the beaches and coastline most beautiful city in full view! Moreover, the observation decks are made in a circle and you can observe Rio from different angles.

I usually go around viewing platforms from all sides, because the picture is different everywhere. Of course, the most interesting thing is the ocean line. We had a view of the entire Ipanema beach, the Maracanã stadium and the nearby mountain range. Despite the abundance of people, find a place for good photos It's always possible.

I got to the observation deck on a cloudy day, but the view was still amazing. It was interesting for me to look at the world from above, to understand how small everything really is and that from the height of Jesus Christ everything is different: ordinary joys and problems are no longer so significant and big.

I always get a little tired of the large number of people, perhaps I should go there in the morning rather than in the afternoon. During rush hour there are the most people here. Everyone should definitely take a standard photo with the statue of Christ behind them, with their arms outstretched in the same way. A queue is forming.

Of course, I succumbed to the general mood and took a standard photo. Although there are many original options for taking photos in front of the monument. The sites are large and there is enough space for everyone to take the necessary views.

The same trailer carries you back, tickets are sold there and back. I got the feeling that people were rushing up the mountain to the monument only because it was simply impossible not to come here while in Rio.

Chapel

The base of the statue is made of marble, into which a small chapel is harmoniously integrated. It was opened quite recently - in 2006 on the day of the 75th anniversary of the statue. Archbishop of Rio Cardinal Eusebio Scheid led the illumination of the chapel, named after the patron saint of Rio, Saint Senora Aparecida. It is convenient to carry out all church rituals in this chapel; 100 people can be there at the same time. A little lower is the church shop.

When I saw this chapel inside, I immediately wanted to enter. It was cool and blissful there, and most importantly, quite secluded, and I wanted to sit there for a while.

Jesus Christ statue for everyone

In my opinion, the statue was deservedly included in the list of the Seven New Wonders of the World in 2007. There are very good reasons for this: they have invested cash and the religious aspirations of ordinary residents of the country, craftsmen from different countries and continents took part in its creation, and it took a decade to build it. It is very difficult to install a large monument at such a height even with today’s technology. However, the most important thing is the image that the statue conveys and which attracts people.

For some reason, it was in Brazil, thousands of kilometers from historical homeland Jesus Christ, his most famous monument was created, which perfectly reflects the consciousness of the holy person. It is the unconditional and all-encompassing love for everyone and everything that is better protection. It is shown on a specific bright material example made of white stone, understandable to anyone who has arrived.

The statue of Christ the Redeemer is not just a landmark of Rio de Janeiro, it is the pride of Brazil, as well as one of the most popular symbols of Christianity in the world. Millions of tourists dream of seeing one of the modern wonders of the world, but most often they choose the carnival celebrations to visit this city. If you want to enjoy the beauty and spirituality of the monument, it is better to choose a quieter time, although in any case you won’t be able to wait for a complete absence of visitors.

Stages of construction of the statue of Christ the Redeemer

For the first time, the idea of creating a unique statue as a symbol of Christianity appeared in the 16th century, but then it was not possible to implement such a global project. Later, in the late 1880s, construction began on a railway leading to the top of Mount Corcovado. Without it, it would have been difficult to implement the project, because during the construction of the statue it was necessary to transport heavy elements, building materials and equipment.

In 1921, Brazil was preparing to celebrate the centenary of independence, which resulted in the idea of erecting a statue of Christ the Redeemer on the top of the mountain. The new monument was supposed to become a key element of the capital, as well as attract tourists to the observation deck, from which the entire city was at a glance.

To raise money, the Cruzeiro magazine was involved, which organized a subscription for the construction of the monument. Based on the results of the fundraiser, over two million flights were generated. The church also did not stand aside: Don Sebastian Leme, the archbishop of the city, allocated a considerable sum for the construction of the statue of Jesus from donations from parishioners.

The total period of creation and installation of Christ the Redeemer was nine years. The original design belongs to the artist Carlos Oswald. According to his idea, Christ with outstretched arms should have stood on a pedestal in the form globe. A modified version of the sketch belongs to the hand of engineer Heitor da Silva Costo, who made changes to the shape of the pedestal. This is exactly how you can see the famous Christian monument today.

Due to the insufficient development of technology, most of the elements were manufactured in France. The finished parts were transported to Brazil, after which they were transported by rail to the top of Corcovado. In October 1931, the statue was illuminated during a ceremony. Since then, it has become a recognized symbol of the city.

Description of the monument's design

A reinforced concrete structure was used as a frame for the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the monument itself is made of soapstone, and there are glass elements. The artistic feature is the pose of a giant. Christ stands with outstretched arms, identifying, on the one hand, universal forgiveness, and on the other, the blessing of the people. Moreover, this position of the body from afar resembles a cross - main symbol Christian faith.

The memorial cannot be considered one of the highest in the world, but at the same time it is impressive in its impressiveness due to its location on the top of the mountain. Its absolute height is 38 meters, eight of which are on the pedestal. The entire structure weighs about 630 tons.

Another feature of the statue is the night illumination, which greatly enhances the effect of the spiritual significance of the monument for all believers. The rays are directed at Christ in such a way that it seems as if a giant is descending from heaven in order to bless his children. The spectacle is truly impressive and deserves everyone’s attention, so even at night there are no fewer tourists in Rio de Janeiro.

History of the monument after its opening

When the statue of Christ the Redeemer was built, local church representatives immediately consecrated the monument, after which services began to be held at the foot on significant days. It was re-illuminated in 1965, an honor taken over by Pope Paul VI. On the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the monument, the celebration ceremony was attended by the highest representatives of the Christian church.

Since the existence of Christ the Redeemer, serious renovation work has already been carried out twice: the first in 1980, the second in 1990. Initially, a staircase led to the pedestal of the statue, but in 2003 escalators were installed to make it easier to “conquer” the top of Corcovado.

The Russian Orthodox Church stayed away from this monument, significant for Christianity, for quite a long time, but in 2007 the first service took place next to the pedestal. During this period, the Days of Russian Culture were designated in Latin America, which was the reason for the arrival of many significant people, including church hierarchs. Last February, Patriarch Kirill held a service in support of Christians, accompanied by the spiritual choir of the Moscow diocese.

April 16, 2010 became an unpleasant page in the history of the memorial, because on this day the first act of vandalism was committed against a spiritual symbol. The face and hands of Jesus Christ were covered with black paint. It was not possible to find out the motives for these actions, and all the inscriptions were in as soon as possible deleted.

Considering the place where it is famous monument, it's no surprise that he becomes an ideal target for lightning. According to statistics, the statue is hit at least four times every year. Some of the damage is so visible that reconstructive measures have to be taken. For these purposes, the local diocese keeps an impressive reserve of the rock from which the giant is made.

Tourists coming to brazilian city, can visit the Christ the Redeemer statue in two ways. Small electric trains run to the foot of the monument, so you can get acquainted with the road laid in the 19th century, and then see one of the new wonders of the world. There is also a highway leading here, which passes through the largest forest area located within the city. Photo from national park Tijuca will also be added to the collection of pictures about traveling around Brazil.

Known throughout the world Jesus Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil located at the very top of Mount Corcovado. It is a symbol of the city and the whole. The height of Jesus reaches 46 meters (including a pedestal 8 meters high), the scope of Christ’s embrace is 28 meters, the weight is 1143 tons, and the materials for construction and all components of the future monument were made in France.

The Brazilian landmark is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The grand opening of the statue of Jesus Christ took place in 1931; its construction took 9 years and more than $250,000 (by the standards of those times) was spent. In 1922, just in time for the centenary of Brazilian independence, the magazine O Cruzeiro announced a competition for the best design of a statue - a symbol of the nation. Funds for the construction were raised by the then popular weekly O Cruzeiro from subscriptions, as well as with the help of the church, which organized charity fundraisers throughout the country. Later this period was called "Monument Week". As a result, the winner of the competition was the engineer Hector da Silva, and the author of the initial sketch of Jesus the Redeemer was the artist Carlos Oswald, who proposed to erect a figure of Jesus with outstretched arms, embracing the city and the whole world. This blessing gesture symbolizes compassion and carries the meaning of the phrase “All things are in the hands of the Lord.”

It is also worth noting that initially the pedestal for Jesus was supposed to be made in the shape of a globe, but later the design was changed to the version that we see today. By the way, a small chapel has been located inside this pedestal for many years.

Statue of Jesus Christ in Brazil is one of the largest and most majestic art deco statues in the world. Every year more than two million believers and ordinary tourists from all over the world make a pilgrimage, overcoming 220 steps called “Caracol”, on the way to the foot of the statue, where observation platforms An incredible landscape of the city and bay opens up. There are several ways to climb the mountain: by bus, by taxi or your own car, or by mini-train, which takes tourists to the top via an electrified railway. This Railway was built long before the appearance of the statue and was subsequently extremely useful for engineers and builders. It significantly simplified the process of lifting building materials and parts of the future statue, which arrived from France, to the top of the mountain. The path to the top is laid along the Tijuca Nature Reserve, which adorns the path to the top from its very foot.

In 2000, the authorities of Rio de Janeiro carried out a small restoration of the statue of Jesus Christ, during which the fluorescent lighting was improved, creating a stunning appearance of the statue at night.

Since the statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro is the highest point in the city, it is struck by lightning every year during thunderstorms. For example, in January 2014, the statue was struck by lightning and damaged the thumb on Jesus’ right hand; in December of the same year, the index finger on the same hand and the head were already damaged. Because of this, the authorities decided to increase the number of lightning rods. This is exactly the role played by the crown on the head of the statue; in addition to it, lightning rods were added on the arms. During the repairs, the statue was not covered, and twenty climbers carried out repair work right in front of tourists. In 2010, the statue was subject to vandalism; unknown people painted it with black spray paint, scrawling blasphemous inscriptions such as “The cat is out of the house - the mice are dancing,” but all of them were promptly removed.

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