Statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)
There are sights that cannot be confused with any other. It is enough to see a silhouette with outstretched arms — and you immediately realize that in front of you is a statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor). For me, this is not just a symbol of Rio de Janeiro, but a place that you definitely want to see at least once in your life. No matter how beautiful the photos are, they still don’t convey the feeling of standing at the foot of this monument and looking at the city from above.
It is not surprising that the statue has long become a hallmark of Brazil, has been included in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World and receives millions of tourists every year.
Where is the statue of Christ the Redeemer
The monument is located in Rio de Janeiro on the top of Mount Corcovado, which rises about 700 meters above sea level.
The statue is located in the Tijuca National Park, the world’s largest urban forest area. It’s hard to believe that such a dense rainforest is located almost in the center of a huge metropolis.
It is thanks to this location that some of the best panoramas of Rio de Janeiro can be seen from here.
Dimensions of the monument
Even if you know the size of the monument in advance, it seems much larger in person.
The height of the statue of Christ the Redeemer is 38 meters, and due to its location on the top of Corcovado, it is visible from almost any part of the city.
Interestingly, this is the highest point in the area, so during severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes the statue quite often. Such blows cause damage to the cladding, so the local church diocese constantly stores a stock of original material in order to carry out timely restoration and preserve the monument in its original form.
Creation history
The history of this monument is no less interesting than its appearance.
The statue itself was made in France, after which it was transported to Brazil in disassembled form. Huge parts were lifted to the top of Corcovada with the help of the country’s first electrified railway, which was built long before the monument appeared.
Surprisingly, this small train is still operating today. It is on it that many tourists climb to the famous statue, repeating the route along which its elements were once delivered.
What can you see from the top
Even if there was no famous monument on the mountain, it would still be worth climbing here for the sake of the views.
Almost the whole of Rio de Janeiro opens from the observation decks. The famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, Guanabara Bay, Pan de Azucar Mountain, Maracana Stadium and numerous neighborhoods of the city, stretching between green hills and the Atlantic Ocean, are clearly visible.
If you’re lucky with the weather, you can spend quite a lot of time here, just looking at the city from different angles. It seems that the whole of Rio is literally at your feet.
Chapel at the foot of the statue
Not everyone knows that there is a small functioning chapel next to the monument.
Church services are regularly held here, and sometimes even wedding ceremonies and baptisms are held. Thanks to this, the place remains not only a popular tourist attraction, but also an important religious symbol for the inhabitants of Brazil.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to the statue.
The most popular option is to take a historic electric train that runs through the dense forest of Tijuca National Park. The trip itself becomes part of the journey, as the windows offer beautiful views of tropical vegetation.
You can also reach the top by car by tourist bus or car.
After arrival, it remains to climb to the observation deck, where visitors are greeted by the famous monument.
When is the best time to come
I would recommend coming here in the morning or later in the evening.
There are usually significantly more tourists in the middle of the day, and it can take some time to queue up at the most popular photo spots.
A lot depends on the weather. Sometimes the peak of Corcovado is completely enveloped in thick fog, and then the statue is almost invisible. Therefore, if it is possible to choose a day to visit, it is better to focus on a clear forecast.
Useful tips
Since the sun can be quite active in Rio de Janeiro, be sure to bring water, a hat and sunscreen.
It is better to take photos not only next to the statue, but also on viewing platforms. The panoramas of the city from here are no less impressive.
And one more tip: don’t rush to leave immediately after taking a few pictures. If you stay a little longer, you can see how quickly the lighting is changing, and with it the whole landscape around.
Is it worth going?
For me, Christ the Redeemer is much more than just a huge statue. This is a place where history, architecture, nature and incredible views of one of the most beautiful cities in the world combine.
Even if you have already seen hundreds of photos of this monument, your personal impression turns out to be completely different. Standing at the top of Corcovado, you can understand why this particular monument has become a symbol not only of Rio de Janeiro, but of the whole of Brazil. It is from here that the scale of the city, which stretches between the green mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, is especially well felt.
