Christ the Redeemer, or Cristo Redentor in Portuguese, is a colossal statue of Jesus Christ at the top of Mount Corcovado. Christ the Redeemer statue was completed in 1931 and is 30 meters tall, and horizontally stretched arms are 28 meters long. The statue became a recognizable symbol of Rio de Janeiro and the entire country.
The statue of Christ is made out of reinforced concrete and placed on a high pedestal of 8 meters. The statue is the largest of its kind in the entire world. It was made in Art Deco style.
The original idea for the construction of this type came in 1850 from priest Pedro Maria Boss, who suggested building a big Christian monument at the top of Corcovado Hill in honor of princess Isabel, daughter of Pedro the Second. However, this project was not approved. In 1921, Archdiocese from Rio suggested constructing the statue of Christ at the top of Corcovado Hill, with the goal of the statue being seen from every side of this city. This time the project was approved and the construction could begin. A cornerstone was placed the following year in memory of Brazil’s independence for Portugal. The original plan was for Christ to hold a cross in one hand, and the world in the other, but that plan was later changed. Brazilian architect Carlos Osvaldo is credited with the pose that Christ has today, with his arms outstretched.
The statue was ceremoniously completed on October 12, 1931. Since then, the statue has had two major restorations. Escalators and panoramic elevators were added in the beginning of 2002. This was a significant project taking into account that by that date the visitors had to climb over 200 steps in order to reach Christ. In 2006, to mark the 75th anniversary of the statue, a chapel was constructed at the bottom of the statue, dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil.
The statue is located in the Tijuca National Park, at 710 meters above sea level, where everyone will appreciate one of the most beautiful views of the city.
Ticket price for Christ the Savior
It is important to point out that one price is paid for transportation from the foothills to Mount Corcovado and passage to the statue of Christ the Savior
Price for the cable car
During high season 83.50 BRL
During low season 68.50 BRL
Children (from 6 to 11 years) 52 BRL
Older over 60, Brazilians and foreigners living in Brazil, 26 BRL
Children up to the age of 5 do not pay
Tickets for the Corcovado cable car must be purchased in advance. The Corcovado cable car ticket office does not sell tickets for the same day.
Price for arrival by van Largo do Machado and Praca do Lido:
81.50 BRL (high season / weekend and holidays)
66,50 BRL (out of season / working days)
Children from 5 to 11 years, 51.50 BRL.
Over 60, Brazilians and foreigners living in Brazil, 43 BRL.
Free for children up to 5 years
Working hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to 16:00. Saturday, Sunday and holidays, from 8:00 to 17:00
Mini bus Paineiras
Price: Adults 48,50 BRL (high season)
33.50 BRL (low season)
Children from 6 to 11 years, 17 BRL
Older over 60, Brazilians and foreigners living in Brazil, 8 BRL
Working hours: Daily, from 8 am to 6 pm
Barra da Tijuca mini bus
Adults 110.50 BRL (high season)
95.50 BRL (low season)
Children from 6 to 11 years, 80.50 BRL
Older over 60, Brazilians and foreigners living in Brazil, 72 BRL
Working hours: Daily, from 8 am to 5 pm
photo credit: Robert Nyman
