Christ the Redeemer – History, Curiosities and Everything About Rio de Janeiro’s Postcard

guiarodrigoindio
4 days ago
4 min read

History of Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer is much more than a postcard: it is a symbol of faith, love and hospitality, recognized worldwide. Located at the top of Corcovado Mountain, 710 meters above sea level, it was inaugurated on October 12, 1931 , after about 9 years of construction .

The idea of building a religious monument emerged in the 19th century, but only gained momentum in the 1920s. The project was developed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa , with the collaboration of French artist Paul Landowski , who sculpted the arms and head of the statue.

The monument is 38 meters high (including the pedestal) and has a 28-meter armspan , all covered in small soapstones, chosen for their resistance and beauty.

🔍 Fun Facts You Need to Know:

In 2007 , it was elected one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World .
The soapstone cladding was handmade, piece by piece, forming small mosaics.
There is a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida inside the pedestal, where weddings and baptisms can be held.
On clear days, the view reaches up to 100 km away, and you can see neighboring cities beyond Rio.
The statue is struck by lightning on average 6 times a year , which is why it has lightning rods at strategic points.

What to do at Christ the Redeemer:

✔️ Enjoy the panoramic view of the entire city: beaches, lagoons, mountains, city center and even Baixada Fluminense on clear days.

✔️ Take iconic photos with the monument and the Rio landscape in the background.

✔️ Visit the chapel inside the pedestal.

✔️ See other tourist attractions : Sugarloaf Mountain, Lagoon, Maracanã, Pedra da Gávea and much more.

✔️ Enjoy the sunrise or sunset , which are magical moments at the top of Corcovado.

How to get to Christ the Redeemer:

Corcovado Train : Climb the Corcovado Railway, a traditional ride full of history. The Corcovado Train is one of the oldest and most traditional means of tourist transport in Brazil — and also one of the most charming! Its history begins in 1884 , when it was inaugurated by none other than Dom Pedro II , becoming the first electric train in Brazil and Latin America dedicated to passenger transport.
Official Van : Departing from points in the city such as Copacabana, Largo do Machado or Paineiras. The Official Corcovado Vans emerged as a modern, safe and practical alternative for those who want to visit Christ the Redeemer without using the traditional Corcovado Train or facing trails. They began operating in the early 2000s, when there was a growing demand from tourists and a need to better organize access to the monument.
Trail : The Corcovado Trail is one of the most challenging and incredible ecotourism experiences in Rio de Janeiro. Located within the Tijuca National Park , it connects Parque Lage , in the Botanical Gardens, to the top of Corcovado Mountain , where Christ the Redeemer , one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, is located.
Approximately 3.8 km long (one way) and with a height difference of approximately 710 meters , it is a moderate to difficult trail, recommended for people in good physical condition.

Important tips for your visit:

Best time: Early morning or late afternoon (less crowded and with better light for photos).
Avoid cloudy or rainy days , as this will affect your view.
Bring water, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Purchase tickets in advance , especially during peak season.

🌟 Why visit with Rodrigo Índio Tours?

With an experienced guide who is passionate about Rio, you will have access to historical and cultural information and interesting facts that will make your visit much more enriching and special. In addition, we will take care of all transportation, tickets and will take you to the best times, without any worries.

🙋♂️ What the guide can offer on the tour to Christ the Redeemer

Visiting Christ the Redeemer , one of the most famous monuments in the world, is about much more than just taking a beautiful photo. With a specialized tour guide , the experience becomes much richer, safer and more informative. See what is included in the guide service:

🗺️ Full follow-up:

Organization of transportation and logistics for the climb (Corcovado train, official van or trail, depending on the package)
Historical information and curiosities about the construction of Christ, Corcovado Mountain, and its cultural and religious importance
Guidance on the best photo spots and how to avoid queues or busy times
Tips on safety, behavior and respect for local rules
Indication of other nearby tourist attractions (Mirante Dona Marta, Parque Lage, etc.)

📚 Cultural content:

Explanations about UNESCO's World Heritage Sites
The history of the statue, inaugurated in 1931, and how it was built
Symbolic and religious aspects of Christ the Redeemer
Insight into the social and tourist impact of the monument for Rio and Brazil

🎧 More personalized experience:

Tour in several languages (upon request)
Individual or small group service
Themed tour option (photographic, religious, historical or ecological)

With a guide by your side, the tour to Christ the Redeemer becomes a true open-air class , with attention, context and experiences that make all the difference.

🌟 Experience Christ the Redeemer in a complete way, with information and support.

If you want, I can adapt this text for a brochure, website or trail tour to Christ the Redeemer (leaving from Parque Lage, for example). Do you want any of these versions?