Christ The Redeemer: The Wonders of The World, A Symbol of Peace and The Brazil’s Icon

Brazil / South America
30 Apr, 2016
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Christ The Redeemer Pictures

Statue of Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, is considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world. Height of 39.6 meters (130 feet). Weighing 635 tons, and is located atop the Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park. It is one of the highest in the world. Statue of Cristo de la Concordia in Cochabamba, Bolivia slightly higher than this statue, which is 40.44 meters (132.7 feet).

From the top of the mountain we could see a beautiful panorama. In addition to Catholic symbol, the Christ The Redeemer statue has become an icon of the city of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, which are made of concrete and soapstone bone. The monument is always crowded with tourists is the epitome of peace the people of Brazil, and this statue was elected as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

The idea to set up a large statue atop Corcovado was first proposed in the mid-1850s when Catholic priest Pedro Maria Boss requested financing from Princess Isabel to build a large religious monument. Princess Isabel was not so interested in the idea, and plan to establish a totally overlooked in 1889 when Brazil became a republic with laws mandating the separation of church and state. The second proposal for a statue on the mountain was made in 1921 by the archdiocese organized an event called Semana do Monumento to attract donations and collect signatures to support the construction of the statue. Donations came mostly from Brazilian Catholics. The designs proposed include crosses, statues of Jesus that brings globe in his hands, and a pedestal symbolizing the world. However, the chosen is the statue of Christ the Redeemer with open arms.

Christ The Redeemer Pictures with Rio de Janeiro View From Top. Image Via: Christ The Redeemer Pictures with Rio de Janeiro View From Top. Image Via: placestoseeinyourlifetime.com

History of the building was begun in the sixteenth century by choosing the top of Corcovado as a pedestal for the peak resembles a hump or hunchback and seen from different points of the cities in Brazil. In 1922, the Brazilian independence day sculpture work plan begins with a massive campaign in the national fundraising for this job. Finally, in 1927, the Christ The Redeemer’s construction officially started. Design of Christ the redeemer statue made by local engineer Heitor DA Silva Costa, while the engraving is done by French sculptor Paul Landowski.

All the necessary materials and labor to participate in the construction of the Christ The Redeemer was transported to Corcovado by train that connects it to the street Cosme Velha, which now serves as a tourist train to the top. This is the first train to use electric power in Brazil.

On October 12, 1931, the Christ The Redeemer statue was completed and inaugurated. Until recently, the development process is still being done, such as installing lights around the statue, the construction of panoramic elevators and additional escalators to overcome difficulties for parents and others who are not allowed to go up the stairs, because it takes 220 steps to get to the top.

The construction of this statue lasted for nine years (1922-1931). Which cost $ 250,000, a monument was opened on October 12, 1931. Originally, the sculpture will be illuminated directly from Rome using a spotlight to be turned on by pioneering short-wave radio, Guglielmo Marconi, a distance of 5,700 miles (9,200 km). But bad weather sometimes influences the signal so it must be illuminated by officers in Rio

In October 2006, the anniversary 75th of the Christ The Redeemer, Archbishop of Rio Cardinal Eusebio Oscar Scheid inaugurate a chapel named after the patron saint of Brazil, Nossa Senhora Brazil Aparecida, or “Our Lady of Apparition.” With the chapel the Catholics could hold baptisms and wedding ceremonies.