Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

You've undoubtedly seen a scene of this statue's amazing view on Television or some other media. Whenever one looks at it, one is overcome with its power and expression. It potrays Jesus standing on top a mountain, directly overlooking the 360 degree view of Rio de Janiero with open arms. It signifies fond welcoming, as well as the notion that Jesus has his arms spread for all, blessing Rio and the world. The aerial view of this statue is definitely my personal favourite, and I urge you to vote for it @ http://www.new7wonders.com.
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Christ the Redeemer is a large statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue stands 38m tall and is located at the peak of the 710m Corcovado mountain overlooking the city. As well as being a potent symbol of Christianity, the statue has become an icon of the city. What more, it can be seen from every corner of the metropolis.










The first recording of this statue's history is in 1859 when Vincentian father Pedro Maria Boss arrived in Rio de Janeiro and was struck by the mysterious beauty of the Corcovado mountain. He suggested the the construction of a religous monument, and requested Princess Isabel to finance its construction. Princess Isabel did not think much of the idea.

In 1921, however, the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro organized an event to attract donations for the idea of a great statue of christ viewable by all in the marvelous city of Rio. Brazilian Catholics cooperated, and eventually the statue of Christ the Redeemer with open arms was chosen.
It was designed by a Brazilian Heitor da Silva Costa and realised in stone by the French sculptor Paul Landowski.
The monument was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, by President Getúlio Vargas in a large, lavish ceremony.

The statue can be accessed by road or by the Corcovado Rack Railway. Until recently, the statue could only be reached from the train terminal via a large 222-step stairway, a huge hurdle for handicapped or elderly visitors. However, in 2002, the monument went through a large renovation process, when panoramic elevators and escalators were installed.










Escalator on the mount


In October 2006, on the occasion of the statue's 75th anniversary, Archbishop of Rio Cardinal Eusebio Oscar Scheid consecrated a chapel under the statue. This allows Catholics to hold baptisms and weddings there from January 2007.

Austrian base jumper Felix Baumgartner set a record for the lowest base jump(29m) when he leapt from one arm of the statue of Christ the Redeemer.