Meeting 14:30h at Rio & Learn
Costs: 134,00 reais + 5 reais (bus ticket)
Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic landmark is Christ the Redeemer, a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city. Bring your camera to capture breathtaking views of Rio from the summit of Corcovado Mountain. We’ll be traveling up and down via the historic Trem do Corcovado, a charming train that has carried visitors to the top since 1884. Don’t worry though, the trains are much newer today =]!
During the journey, one of our teachers will share fascinating stories about the city and the Cristo while helping you practice your Portuguese in a relaxed, interactive setting.
The Christ the Redeemer statue is not only a gift to cariocas but also a memorable experience for visitors from around the world. Want to join us? Pack your camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, and let’s go! This RioLIVE! Activity promises unforgettable views, meaningful cultural experiences, and the chance to connect with fellow students as you immerse yourself in the language and beauty of Rio.
I mean, everyone knows the iconic sight of Christ the Redeemer, but did you know these facts about the famous statue in Brazil?
Standing 30 meters (98 feet) tall with a wingspan of 28 meters (92 feet), Christ the Redeemer towers majestically over Rio. Including its pedestal, the structure reaches an impressive height of 38 meters (125 feet).
Did you know that the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro is not the only one of its kind in the world? In fact, its iconic design has inspired several replicas around the world, such as the Cristo Rei in Lisbon, Portugal, completed in 1959, and others scattered throughout Poland and Bolivia.
Did you know that Christ the Redeemer has braved the elements, including the fury of lightning? On February 10, 2008, during a violent thunderstorm, lightning struck the statue, causing significant damage to its fingers, head and eyebrows. In response, the state government of Rio de Janeiro undertook a major restoration project. The project aimed not only to replace some of the damaged outer layers of soapstone, but also to repair and strengthen the statue’s lightning rods to ensure its protection against future storms. The statue’s ordeal was not over, however, as it was struck by lightning again on January 17, 2014. This subsequent strike removed a finger on the right hand, underscoring the ongoing challenges of maintaining this iconic monument against the forces of nature.
A symbol of Christianity around the world, the statue has also become a cultural icon of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, and was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007.
The journey to erect a Christian monument on Mount Corcovado began in the mid-1850s, when Vincentian priest Pedro Maria Boss proposed a statue honoring Princess Isabel, regent of Brazil and daughter of Emperor Pedro II. However, this early proposal did not come to fruition, and the project was abandoned in 1889 when Brazil became a republic, emphasizing the separation of church and state.
The idea was revived in 1920 by the Catholic Circle of Rio, driven by a desire to infuse society with spiritual values in the midst of perceived “godlessness. They launched Semana do Monumento (“Monument Week”) to garner financial support and public approval for the statue. The campaign drew significant contributions, especially from Brazilian Catholics, reflecting a collective yearning for a symbol of faith and unity. Among the designs considered were a Christian cross, Jesus holding a globe, and a pedestal symbolizing the world. Ultimately, the design of Christ the Redeemer with open arms, symbolizing peace, was selected, embodying a message of inclusiveness and compassion.
This monumental task was undertaken by a collaborative team led by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Paul Landowski, with notable contributions from others such as Gheorghe Leonida, who sculpted the face. The project, initiated by the Catholic Circle of Rio to commemorate the centennial of Brazil’s independence, culminated in the completion and dedication of the statue on October 12, 1931.
From 1922 to 1931, the construction of Christ the Redeemer required innovative engineering solutions, including the Corcovado Rack Railway for transporting materials to the summit. The choice of reinforced concrete and soapstone ensured the statue’s endurance against Rio’s weather, embodying a blend of artistic vision and technical prowess.
Christ the Redeemer stands majestically atop the 710-meter (2,329 feet) Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Located in the Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest in the world, the statue is surrounded by a lush, green landscape that enhances its serene and majestic presence. This setting makes Christ the Redeemer not only a symbol of faith, but also a must-see for anyone who wants to experience Rio.
Getting to Christ the Redeemer is an adventure in itself, offering visitors several routes to suit different preferences and abilities. The most popular is the Corcovado Train, which has been in operation since 1884. This 20-minute ride takes you through the dense rainforest of the Tijuca National Park, providing a unique opportunity to observe the area’s rich biodiversity before reaching the summit. For those looking for a more direct route, vans are available from several points around the city, including Copacabana and Largo do Machado, offering a convenient and comfortable ride to the top.
Alternatively, for the more adventurous, hiking trails lead to the statue, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the forest. The most popular trail starts at Parque Lage, a hike that takes about two to three hours and requires a good level of fitness.
Come with us in our RioLIVE! Activity and enjoy this incredible experience.
Check out some of our past visits:
Online Academic Coordinator at Rio & Learn Portuguese School.
Experienced educational coordinator and teacher since 2007, adept in curriculum development, creating physical and digital educational materials, and leveraging online platforms to enhance learning outcomes
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