CHRIST REDEEMER Rio de Janeiro Brazil

Christ Redeemer or Statue of Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ with the largest Art Deco architectural style and located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue stands 38 meters tall and is located at the peak of the Corcovado mountain 710 m high in the Tijuca Forest National Park, overlooking the city. This statue is a symbol of Christianity, and became a symbol of city pride. Open hand statue is seen by many as a sign of the warmth of the Brazilian people.

The idea to build a large statue atop Corcovado has emerged since the mid 1850's, when Catholic leader Pedro Maria Boss requested financing from Princess Isabel to build a large religious monument. Princess Isabel did not respond idea, which was then completely dismissed in 1889, when Brazil became a republic with laws mandating the separation of church and state. The second proposal for a large landmark statue on the mountain in the form it was created in 1921 by the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro. The archdiocese organized an event called Semana do Monumento ("Monument Week") to attract donations, which came mostly from Brazilian Catholics.

The designs considered for the "Statue of the Christ" included a representation of the Christian cross, a statue of Jesus with a globe in his hands, and a pedestal symbolizing the world. Finally, the statue of Christ the Redeemer with open arms selected. Christ Redeemer, designed by Heitor da Silva Costa and in sculpture by Frenchman Paul Landowski. Projects done for 9 years from 1922 until October 12, 1931, at a cost of U.S. $ 250,000. Sculpture made from a mixture of concrete and stone. When road construction made the train to carry large pieces of the statue to the top of the mountain. Statue was inaugurated on October 12, 1931. To see the statue up close have to climb 220 steps B.