Top 37 Unknown and Interesting Facts About Christ The Redeemer Statue

Pedro Maria Boss, a Catholic priest, first suggested the statue’s design in the 1850s, but the Catholic Circle of Rio didn’t begin accumulating money for the monument until 1921. French artist Paul Landowski sculpted the statue, which was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. The statue was built in Brazil using soapstone, which is renowned for its flawless finish and durability, and reinforced concrete after the head and hands were shipped there from France.

Constructed to endure the severe weather on Corcovado, the statue is widely hailed as a technical marvel. Its importance as a cultural and religious landmark was highlighted in 2007 when it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Millions of pilgrims and visitors visit Christ the Redeemer each year, drawn by its magnificent architecture as well as its breath-taking panoramic vistas of Rio de Janeiro, which include the Maracana Stadium, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Copacabana Beach.

Beyond its feats of engineering and architecture, Christ the Redeemer is a deeply symbolic building for Christians, representing hope, redemption, and the resilient spirit of the Brazilian people. It is one of the most photographed sculptures in the world and a symbol of peace and harmony since its image has appeared in movies, artwork, and photographs.

This article will provide you with 50 unknown and interesting facts about Christ the Redeemer that you probably didn’t know!

1. It Stands 98 Feet Tall

The Christ the Redeemer statue stands 98 feet (30 meters) tall. However, when measured from the base to the top of the statue’s outstretched arms, the total height reaches 125 feet (38 meters).

2. Its Arm Span Is 92 Feet

The statue’s arms stretch a vast 92 feet (28 meters) from fingertip to fingertip, giving it an imposing presence over the city of Rio de Janeiro. This wide span is symbolic of Christ’s embrace of the world.

3. It Was Finished in 1931

The construction of Christ the Redeemer began in 1922 and was completed in 1931. It took nearly nine years to complete the statue, involving a mixture of religious devotion, engineering ingenuity, and skilled craftsmanship.

4. Made of Soapstone and Concrete

The outer shell of Christ the Redeemer is made from soapstone, a material known for its durability and resistance to weathering. The internal structure is built from reinforced concrete, which adds strength and stability to the towering figure.

5. Weighs Over 700 Tons

The Christ the Redeemer statue is not only tall but also incredibly heavy. It weighs approximately 700 tons (635,000 kilograms), which makes it one of the heaviest statues of its kind.

6. Designed by Heitor da Silva Costa

The design of the statue was created by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, who envisioned a Christ figure that would be both imposing and graceful. His idea of having Christ’s arms open wide as if embracing the world was intended to express love and compassion.

7. The Sculptor Was French

The sculptor responsible for bringing da Silva Costa’s design to life was French artist Paul Landowski. Landowski worked with a team of artisans to create the detailed features and the intricate form of the statue.

8. Constructed With International Collaboration

Although the design was Brazilian, the construction involved an international effort. The concrete was supplied by a French company, and the soapstone that covered the statue came from Italy.

9. Funded by Brazilian Catholics

The creation of Christ the Redeemer was funded primarily by Brazilian Catholics, who organized a massive fundraising campaign to raise the necessary funds for the statue’s construction.

10. Originally Meant to Be a Catholic Monument

The idea behind the Christ the Redeemer statue was initially conceived to be a Catholic religious symbol, to mark the centenary of Brazil’s independence in 1922. Its purpose was to solidify Catholicism’s prominence in the country.

11. It Has Survived Many Storms

One of the most impressive feats of Christ the Redeemer is its resilience. Despite being exposed to harsh weather conditions like strong winds, heavy rains, and lightning, the statue has withstood it all for nearly 100 years.

12. A Symbol of Rio de Janeiro

Over time, the statue has evolved from a religious monument to a cultural and national symbol of Brazil. It is often used in tourist campaigns and represents the warm spirit of Rio de Janeiro.

13. Considered One of the New Seven Wonders of the World

In 2007, Christ the Redeemer was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a global poll organized by the Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation. This recognition increased the monument’s visibility and cemented its place as one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

14. Located in a National Park

Christ the Redeemer is located in the Tijuca National Park, which is one of the largest urban forests in the world. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making the area surrounding the statue a rich natural environment.

15. Accessible via Train or Foot

There are two main ways to reach Christ the Redeemer: by a scenic train ride that takes you through the lush rainforest of the Tijuca Forest or by hiking up the mountain to the top.

16. Lighting the Statue

At night, the statue is illuminated with powerful lights that make it visible from many parts of Rio. These lights are carefully maintained to ensure that the statue can be seen from as far as 20 miles away on clear nights.

17. Restoration Projects

Over the years, Christ the Redeemer has undergone several restoration projects. In 2010, the statue underwent a major restoration to repair weathering and ensure its continued preservation.

18. The Original Idea Was for a Smaller Statue

Initially, the proposal was to build a much smaller statue of Christ. However, it was later decided that a grander, more imposing figure would be more fitting for such an important landmark.