One of the most widely recognized landmarks in Rio de Janeiro is the Christ the Redeemer statue which overlooks the city. Built in 1931, the statue attracts visitors from all over the world and is seen by around 2 million tourists annually.
Cool Fact #1 - The idea behind the statue was first proposed in the mid 1850's when a Catholic Priest by the name of Pedro Maria Boss requested the finance to build a religious monument in the city. However, the idea was dismissed and the monument was never built. In 1921 a monument was proposed again by the Catholic Circle of Rio. They appealed to the public for support and donations to have something built to represent the religious strength in the country.
Amazing Fact 2 - The Christ the Redeemer statue (Christo Redentor in Portuguese) took nine years to build. The materials from which the statue is made are reinforced concrete with an outer layer of soapstone; materials which were chosen for the statue for their durability and the ease with which they can be worked. Ever since its completion, the statue has served as a symbol of peace to the world.
Cool Fact #3 - The overall design of the statue was created by a local designer; however, a French sculptor was commissioned to sculpt the Christ the Redeemer. The overall cost of the statue was the equivalent of $250,000 today. In 1980 Pope John Paul II was scheduled to visit the Rio de Janeiro statue and major restoration work was undertaken. In 2003 escalators and elevators were built, to allow people to gain easier access to the viewing platform.
Amazing Fact 4 - In 2008, the statue was struck by lightning, causing damage to its fingers and head. Restoration work was begun at once, which included replacing some of the soapstone exterior of the statue as well as the lightning rods on the statue. In 2010, restoration work was done on Cristo Redentor, with the soapstone used coming from the same quarry as the stone used in the construction of the statue. There were also new lights installed at the base of the statue in this year.
Amazing Fact 5 - The statue was spray painted by a vandal in 2010, an act which shocked Brazil, with the mayor of Rio de Janeiro declaring the incident to be a crime against the nation and offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the vandal. In 2007, Cristo Redentor was listed among the seven wonders of the modern world, a stature which is reflected by its appearance in many films in the years since its completion. With a height of 38 meters (about 125 feet) and a weight of roughly 1.15 tons, the Christ the Redeemer statue stands as one of the most impressive monuments built by mankind anywhere in the world.
Cool Fact #1 - The idea behind the statue was first proposed in the mid 1850's when a Catholic Priest by the name of Pedro Maria Boss requested the finance to build a religious monument in the city. However, the idea was dismissed and the monument was never built. In 1921 a monument was proposed again by the Catholic Circle of Rio. They appealed to the public for support and donations to have something built to represent the religious strength in the country.
Amazing Fact 2 - The Christ the Redeemer statue (Christo Redentor in Portuguese) took nine years to build. The materials from which the statue is made are reinforced concrete with an outer layer of soapstone; materials which were chosen for the statue for their durability and the ease with which they can be worked. Ever since its completion, the statue has served as a symbol of peace to the world.
Cool Fact #3 - The overall design of the statue was created by a local designer; however, a French sculptor was commissioned to sculpt the Christ the Redeemer. The overall cost of the statue was the equivalent of $250,000 today. In 1980 Pope John Paul II was scheduled to visit the Rio de Janeiro statue and major restoration work was undertaken. In 2003 escalators and elevators were built, to allow people to gain easier access to the viewing platform.
Amazing Fact 4 - In 2008, the statue was struck by lightning, causing damage to its fingers and head. Restoration work was begun at once, which included replacing some of the soapstone exterior of the statue as well as the lightning rods on the statue. In 2010, restoration work was done on Cristo Redentor, with the soapstone used coming from the same quarry as the stone used in the construction of the statue. There were also new lights installed at the base of the statue in this year.
Amazing Fact 5 - The statue was spray painted by a vandal in 2010, an act which shocked Brazil, with the mayor of Rio de Janeiro declaring the incident to be a crime against the nation and offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the vandal. In 2007, Cristo Redentor was listed among the seven wonders of the modern world, a stature which is reflected by its appearance in many films in the years since its completion. With a height of 38 meters (about 125 feet) and a weight of roughly 1.15 tons, the Christ the Redeemer statue stands as one of the most impressive monuments built by mankind anywhere in the world.
About the Author:
Joel Higginbotham currently lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and created his website www.BrazilCultureAndTravel.com to give everyone a taste of this incredible country. For more interesting Brazil facts click the following link to discover more about Sugarloaf Mountain.
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