One of the New Wonders of the World above the Roofs of Rio de Janeiro

She watches over Rio de Janeiro and occupies one of the highest points of the city. The Christ statue in Brazil's bustling metropolis is one of the country's most visited landmarks and was even declared one of the new seven wonders of the world in 2007.

The statue of Christ is a monument that Rio de Janeiro proudly presents. The statue already writes a long history and has already been illuminated in the German national colors. On your Brazil trip, you should not miss the phenomenal view from the top of the Corcovado Mountain. Climb the mountain on foot, by van, or on a small train, and enjoy the fantastic panorama that will be offered to you.

The 38-meter high monument looks impressive and with outstretched arms, the Christ statue never lets the happenings in Rio de Janeiro out of sight. The idea to build this gigantic religious monument first came to a French priest. He visited the fascinating city of Rio de Janeiro in 1822 and was impressed by the beauty of the Corcovado Mountain. Inspired by this place, the priest visited the then ruler Princess Isabela I to propose the construction of a religious monument on the mountain. Although Isabela I supported the priest's idea, there was a lack of the necessary financial means to carry out the project.

It was not until a few years later that the priest's vision was resumed. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Brazil's independence in 1922, the Catholic Church announced a competition. This competition was to decide which civil engineer should finally realize the project "Christ Statue". The Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa was able to prevail over the competitors with his proposal and emerged as the winner of the competition. The landmark was to be built on top of the Corcovado Mountain and thus be visible from all points of the city. The construction project was financed solely by donations. Various appeals for donations and campaigns ultimately made it possible to provide the necessary money for this massive undertaking.

Together with the painter Carlos Oswald and the French sculptor Maximilian Paul Landowski, the engineer Heitor da Silva Costa dared the challenge and built a landmark that would go down in history. The work on the sculpture lasted a total of 5 years and in 1931 the Christ statue was finally inaugurated.
In the course of time, small works on the statue were carried out again and again. Escalators now simplify access to the statue of Christ and the large viewing platform welcomes over two million visitors from all over the world every year.
A significant change was made in 2006 with the inauguration of the small chapel in the statue's foundation.

The view from the Christ statue down to the city is overwhelming. Small bays, lined with green hills spread out in front of you, and in the middle of the landscape of the Atlantic Rainforest, countless buildings protrude from the ground.
Rio de Janeiro is not only known for the gigantic statue of Christ. Also, the sugar loaf, fantastic beaches, and a wide range of cultural activities characterize the city. On the 4 days travel module Discover Rio de Janeiro you can discover the versatile metropolis thoroughly. Stroll through Rio's old town and visit historical buildings in the middle of a green city. Take a short break at the paradisiacal beaches and enjoy the view from the most beautiful points of Rio.
Rio de Janeiro awaits you with pulsating energy that will definitely remain in your memory. If you have any questions about your Brazil trip, we will be happy to advise you and help you to put together a suitable program.

External source: www.paineirascorcovado.com.br/