Christ the Redeemer: Rio's Iconic Symbol
An iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro, offering breathtaking views and a rich history atop Corcovado Mountain.
Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) is a colossal Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ that stands atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Completed in 1931, it measures 30 meters (98 feet) tall, with an arm span of 28 meters (92 feet). Including its pedestal, it reaches a total height of 38 meters (125 feet). The statue has become an emblem of both the city and the entire nation. The concept for the statue arose after the creation of the Brazilian Republic in 1889, which separated church and state. Concerns about a decline in religious fervor led Brazilian Catholics to propose a statue of Jesus to reclaim the country for Christ. The location on Corcovado Mountain was chosen to make the statue visible from anywhere in Rio. The statue was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French artist Paul Landowski. Construction took place between 1922 and 1931, using reinforced concrete and soapstone. The face of the statue was created by Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida. The monument was inaugurated on October 12, 1931. Over the years, Christ the Redeemer has undergone several repairs and renovations. In 2006, a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil, was consecrated at its base. The statue symbolizes peace and welcomes all visitors with open arms. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning (before 9 am) or late in the afternoon (after 3:30 pm) to avoid the largest crowds.
- Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid long queues, especially during the high season.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as fog or clouds can obstruct the views from the top.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll need to walk up some steps to reach the statue.
- Bring water and sunscreen, as the sun can be intense, even on cloudy days.
A brief summary to Christ the Redeemer
- Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Alto da Boa Vista, State of Rio de Janeiro, BR
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
- Thursday 8 am-7 pm
- Friday 8 am-7 pm
- Saturday 8 am-7 pm
- Sunday 8 am-7 pm
Getting There
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Train
The Corcovado Train is the most traditional and scenic way to reach Christ the Redeemer. The train departs from Cosme Velho station and takes about 20 minutes to ascend through the Tijuca National Park. From the South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon), take a taxi or Uber to Cosme Velho station, which should cost around R$40. Alternatively, take bus line 583 from Copacabana. From the city center, take a bus to Cosme Velho. The train ticket includes a round trip and entrance to the monument. Tickets can be purchased online or at the train station. It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season, to avoid queues. Cost: R$97.50 (includes train and entrance).
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Van
Official vans depart from Largo do Machado, Copacabana (Praça do Lido), and Paineiras. These vans provide direct access to the Christ the Redeemer. To reach Largo do Machado, take the subway to Largo do Machado station. For Copacabana, the nearest subway station to Praça do Lido is Cardeal Arcoverde. The van ticket includes round-trip transportation and entrance to the monument. Tickets can be purchased online or at the boarding points. Cost: Approximately R$62 from Largo do Machado and Copacabana. Prices may vary.
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Hiking
For adventurous travelers, hiking to Christ the Redeemer through Tijuca National Park is an option. The trail begins at Parque Lage and takes approximately 2-3 hours. To get to Parque Lage, take the subway to Botafogo station and then take the 'Metrô na Superfície' bus to the park's entrance. The hike is challenging and requires a good level of fitness. It is recommended to go with a guide for safety. Cost: The hike itself is free, but you still need to purchase an entrance ticket to Christ the Redeemer. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance (cash only).
