What makes Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue a timeless tourist magnet?

There are two things that stand out the most when in Brazil’s capital city of Rio de Janeiro – the overwhelming happiness thinking about all the fun that awaits, and Christ the Redeemer statue. The latter one literally stands out.


Christ the Redeemer statue is perched atop the Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is, without a doubt, one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. And when in Rio de Janeiro, it’s a must visit tourist attraction. Here’s why this particular statue is such a famous one.


This colossal statue of Jesus Christ, with arms outstretched in a welcoming embrace, has captivated the world for more than 90 years now. It’s this mix of timeless beauty and spiritual significance that has made it such a popular tourist attraction.



Christ the Redeemer statue is 98 feet (30 m) tall, not counting the additional 26 feet (8 m) tall pedestal on which it stands. The statue’s arm stretches 92 feet (28 m) in width. It’s safe to say that the statue is massive. This astounding Art Deco structure was created by French sculptor Paul Landowski, built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, and French engineer Albert Caquot. The statue’s face was sculpted by sculptor Gheorghe Leonida.


The fact that the statue overlooks the entire city of Rio de Janeiro, the surrounding landscape comprising of the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, Tijuca forest, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, and Guanabara Bay, makes it one of the best viewpoints in Rio de Janeiro. If the day is clear, you have the best chance to see a number of these places from Christ the Redeemer statue.



Did you know that this statue is the largest Art Deco style sculpture in the world? Now you know. Christ the Redeemer is a cultural icon of both Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. In fact, it was even considered as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

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Christ the Redeemer's popularity only keeps growing day by day. Apart from its superb architecture, it is also easily accessible. There’s a train that takes visitors right to the top of the mountain from where you can reach the statue.

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Visitors can also reach the statue by official vans of the Paineiras-Corcovado Consortium. This can only mean that tourists of all ages and physical abilities can make it to the statue. The way to the top of the Corcovado mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue is simply spectacular.