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Christ the Redeemer Statue
Photograph by Heiko Behn, 2016


Standing atop the Corcovado Mountain, overlooking Rio de Janeiro, the statue of Christ the Redeemer was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French sculptor Paul Landowski. Construction began in 1922 and was completed in 1931. The statue stands 98 feet tall, with an additional 26 feet tall pedestal, and has a wingspan of 92 feet. Its arms stretch 92 feet wide, symbolising Christ's embrace of the world. Made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, it weighs approximately 635 metric tons. The construction required intricate engineering, employing a series of scaffolds and support structures to withstand the mountain's weather conditions and seismic activity. The technical challenges of its transportation of materials up the mountain and assembly of its intricate parts, also represented considerable achievements of engineering prowess at the time. The statue's significance extends beyond its technical feat; it serves as a powerful religious symbol and a testament to Brazil's Christian heritage. Throughout its history, it has undergone several renovations and restorations to preserve its grandeur and cultural significance.