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Christ the Redeemer: Rio's Iconic Symbol

An iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, offering breathtaking views and a powerful message of peace and welcome.

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Perched atop Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca National Park, Christ the Redeemer is an iconic Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ, symbolizing peace and welcome. Completed in 1931, it stands as a testament to Brazilian faith, culture, and artistry, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and coastline.

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

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues for the train or van.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for fewer crowds and better lighting for photos.
  • Check the weather forecast before heading up; the statue is often shrouded in clouds, obstructing the view.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as there is some walking involved, including steps to reach the statue.
  • Bring water and sunscreen, as the mountaintop can be hot and sunny.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Rio de Janeiro's South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon), take bus line 583 to the Cosme Velho neighborhood. From there, transfer to the Corcovado Train (Trem do Corcovado). The train ride takes about 20 minutes through the Tijuca National Park. Tickets for the train, which include entrance to Christ the Redeemer, cost R$122.50 for adults. Alternatively, official vans depart from Copacabana (Praça do Lido) and Largo do Machado, with prices ranging from R$26 to R$100+. These also include the entrance fee.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Take a taxi or ride-share to the Paineiras Visitor Center. From there, purchase a ticket for the official van that ascends to Christ the Redeemer. Tickets for the van cost R$62.00 from Largo do Machado and Copacabana, or R$35.00 from Paineiras. Note that non-official vehicles are not allowed past the visitor center.

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Discover more about Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) is more than just a statue; it's a symbol of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, representing the welcoming spirit of its people. Conceived in 1920 to reclaim religious sentiment, the statue was designed by Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by Paul Landowski. The face was sculpted by Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida. Constructed of reinforced concrete and soapstone, the statue stands 30 meters (98 feet) tall, with arms stretching 28 meters (92 feet) wide, offering a powerful image of peace. The statue's history dates back to the mid-19th century when the idea of a Christian monument on Corcovado Mountain was first proposed. However, it wasn't until after World War I that the project gained momentum, driven by concerns over the separation of church and state. Donations from Brazilian Catholics largely funded the construction, which began in 1922 and was completed in 1931. The monument was inaugurated on October 12, 1931. Visiting Christ the Redeemer offers not only a close encounter with this magnificent sculpture but also unparalleled views of Rio de Janeiro. From the summit, one can see Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the sprawling cityscape. A chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil, is located at the base of the statue. The site has undergone several renovations to ensure visitor access and preservation, including the addition of escalators and elevators.

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