Christ Redeemer Brazil – Key Facts, Tickets & Visitor Tips

Standing atop the Corcovado mountain, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. It draws millions of visitors each year, offering panoramic views of the city below. A 30-meter-tall figure of Jesus Christ, it was completed in 1931 and has become a powerful national symbol for Brazil.

The statue’s full monument height is often given as 38 meters including its pedestal, and its arms stretch 28 meters. Made from reinforced concrete and covered in soapstone, it represents a blend of religious devotion, engineering ambition, and cultural expression.

This guide covers the key facts about Christ the Redeemer, including its dimensions, history, ticket prices, and cultural significance.

How Tall Is Christ the Redeemer and What Is It Made Of?

• Christ the Redeemer is 30 meters (98 feet) tall, with an arm span of 28 meters (92 feet).
• It was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, after approximately 9 years of planning and construction.
• The statue is made of reinforced concrete and covered in over 6 million soapstone tiles.
• It is located within Tijuca National Park, the largest urban rainforest in the world.
• Christ the Redeemer was named one of the New7Wonders of the World in 2007.

When Was Christ the Redeemer Built and Who Created It?

The idea for a Christian monument on Corcovado dates back to the 1850s, when priest Pedro Maria Boss first proposed it. The Catholic Church revived the concept in 1921, and the project gained approval with the foundation stone laid in 1922. Construction began in 1926 and took five years.

Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa led the overall project. French sculptor Paul Landowski was responsible for the statue’s form. Some accounts also mention engineer Albert Caquot as part of the collaboration.

Why Was Christ the Redeemer Built?

Brazil had become a secular republic by the time the statue was conceived. Many sources describe the project as an effort to reaffirm Catholic identity and religious sentiment in the country. Over time, it evolved into a broader cultural symbol.

How to Visit Christ the Redeemer: Tickets, Cost, and Access

For anyone planning a trip, understanding ticket pricing, opening hours, and transport options is essential. The sanctuary sits within Tijuca National Park in the Alto da Boa Vista district.

Ticket Prices

One source reports entrance fees ranging from R$61 to R$74 depending on the season. Students and seniors pay half price. Children up to age 5 enter for free, and children aged 6 to 11 get a reduced rate.

Opening Hours

The site typically opens from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. One source lists a slightly later closing time of 7:00 pm for the sanctuary.

Getting There

Visitors can reach the statue via a cog train from the base, by van, or by hiking through Tijuca National Park. The cog train is a popular option, offering a scenic ride through the forest.

What Is the Cultural Significance of Christ the Redeemer?

Christ the Redeemer is widely regarded as one of Brazil’s strongest national symbols and a global symbol of Christianity. Its image appears constantly in representations of Rio de Janeiro, and its hilltop placement, open arms, and Art Deco design have made it one of the world’s most recognizable monuments.

In 2007, it was officially named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, further cementing its status as a globally significant landmark. The statue was built in a period of social change, and its meaning has grown beyond religion to represent peace, welcome, and Brazilian national identity.

Where Is Christ the Redeemer Located?

The statue is located on the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, inside Tijuca National Park. This park is the largest urban rainforest in the world, adding to the site’s unique natural setting.

Timeline of Christ the Redeemer

1. 1850s: Priest Pedro Maria Boss proposes a Christian monument on Corcovado.
2. 1922: Construction is approved, and the foundation stone is laid.
3. 1926: Full construction begins under Heitor da Silva Costa and Paul Landowski.
4. October 12, 1931: The statue is inaugurated after five years of building.
5. 2003: Extensive restoration and lighting upgrade are completed.
6. 2007: Christ the Redeemer is voted one of the New7Wonders of the World.
7. 2010: Vandalism occurs, followed by restoration.
8. 2014: A lightning strike damages the right thumb, which is later repaired.
9. 2023: Ongoing maintenance and improvements to visitor infrastructure continue.

What Remains Uncertain About Christ the Redeemer?

Where Does the Information About Christ the Redeemer Come From?

“Christ the Redeemer is Rio de Janeiro’s most famous landmark: a 30-meter-tall statue of Jesus atop Mount Corcovado that was completed in 1931 and has become a national symbol of Brazil.”

— Encyclopaedia Britannica

“The monument’s history begins in the 1850s, when priest Pedro Maria Boss proposed a Christian monument on Corcovado.”

— Various historical sources (Eva Lea Klein, Go Ahead Tours, Strawberry Tours)

“Over time, it became not just a religious monument but also a cultural icon of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, often described as a symbol of peace, welcome, and Brazilian national identity.”

— Encyclopaedia Britannica, History Hit, EBSCO Research Starters

What’s the Best Way to Summarize Everything About Christ the Redeemer?

Christ the Redeemer stands as a major religious and cultural landmark in Brazil. It measures 30 meters in height, weighs about 635 metric tons, and was built from reinforced concrete covered in soapstone. Inaugurated in 1931 and named a New7Wonder of the World in 2007, the statue remains a must-see destination. Visitors should plan ahead for tickets, which vary by season, and consider transport options such as the cog train or a hike through Tijuca National Park. For more details, you can read more about Christ the Redeemer on Britannica.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christ the Redeemer