Christ the Redeemer, Rio
★ 4.7🇧🇷 Rio de JaneiroSuggested visit 2-3 hoursBest season The dry season from May to September, with clear skies and good visibility
New Seven WondersWorld landmarkReligious siteRio landmark
The statue overlooking bay and forest is South America's defining landmark, arms open in a blessing of peace to the world.
Overview
Christ the Redeemer stands atop Corcovado mountain, the symbol of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. From the summit visitors look out over the whole city.
History
Christ the Redeemer was built between 1922 and 1931, designed by the Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, with the head and hands sculpted by the French artist Paul Landowski. The figure stands 30 metres tall, 38 metres with its pedestal, on the 710-metre peak of Corcovado, its outstretched arms spanning 28 metres. It was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007 and is the most important landmark of both Rio and Brazil.
Highlights
- •The sweeping panorama of Rio beneath the outstretched arms
- •The Corcovado rack railway climbing through Atlantic rainforest
- •Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain in a single view
- •The statue silhouetted in orange light at dusk
- •An open-air mass for thousands at Christmas and New Year
Practical tips
- •Go early morning or late afternoon
- •Take the cog train up the mountain
Practical information
- Best time
- May to September
- Tickets
- Combined ticket about BRL 94 including the train or van
- Opening hours
- 8:00 to 19:00, last ascent at 17:00
- Local food
- Brazilian barbecue, feijoada and caipirinha
- Getting around
- The metro covers the main tourist areas, and Copacabana and Ipanema are linked on foot or by bike
- Visa
- A tourist visa is required and can be submitted through the Brazilian embassy or an authorised visa centre; allow about a month to prepare documents.
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