Christ the Redeemer Statue

This iconic 98 foot tall monument on the summit of Corcovado Mountain overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro. It took nine years to build and was completed in 1931. Instead of having Christ carry a cross, the sculptor designed the outstretched arms to symbolize a cross. There are more than 6 million soapstone tiles covering this reinforced concrete statue. Christ’s outstretched arms are a symbol of peace.
A small chapel was built at the base of the statue and can be reached by traveling on a cog train, then riding a series of escalators and elevators. The statue is the largest art deco sculpture in existence and one of the most recognized landmarks in the world.