Christ the Redeemer, the towering statue that stands on Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. A symbol of Christian faith and a welcoming gesture to all who visit Brazil, this monumental sculpture has captivated millions with its grandeur and majestic location. While its fame is undeniable, there are several lesser-known facts about this marvel that add to its mystique and splendor.
#### 1. **The Origins of Its Construction Were Politically Motivated**
The idea for constructing the Christ the Redeemer statue was initially suggested in the 1850s by a Catholic priest named Pedro Maria Boss, but it wasn’t until 1920 that the proposal gained momentum. The project was promoted by a group called “Catholic Circle of Rio” as a response to what they felt was Brazil’s “Godlessness.” It was also intended to commemorate the centennial of Brazilian independence from Portugal. The construction served both religious devotion and national pride.
#### 2. **A Global Effort**
Though quintessentially Brazilian, Christ the Redeemer is a product of international collaboration. Designed by local engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, the outer layers were sculpted by French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski. More interestingly, the materials used were transported from Sweden — the statue’s framework consists of reinforced concrete designed by Albert Caquot, a pioneering French expert in concrete construction.
#### 3. **A Symbolic Design**
While many assume that Christ’s open arms symbolize peace and welcome – which they do – Silva Costa originally intended them to represent a cross. From certain angles, you can observe how Christ’s figure forms a crucifix against the skyline.
#### 4. **It Was Not Always Green**
Contrary to what some may think, Christ the Redeemer has not always had its characteristic soapstone mosaic exterior — which gives it that green hue due to natural weathering over time. When inaugurated in 1931 after five years of construction, it gleamed white under Rio’s sun.
#### 5. **Lightning Strike Repairs**
Standing atop Mount Corcovado exposes Christ the Redeemer to harsh weather elements including frequent lightning strikes. Over decades, these strikes have caused damage requiring significant repairs; one such strike in 2014 damaged its thumb. In response to these acts of nature, lightning rods have been installed on both hands and head for protection.
#### 6. **A Monumental Size**
The statue stands at an impressive height of around 30 meters (98 feet) with an additional base pedestal almost as tall at eight meters (26 feet). This makes Christ The Redeemer one of the largest Art Deco statues in existence today.
#### 7. **An Influential Icon**
In July 2007, more than seventy years after its completion, Christ The Redeemer was named one of the New Seven Wonders of World following an international poll organized by New Open World Corporation (NOWC). This cemented its status not just as a religious or cultural symbol but as an international treasure recognized universally.
These seven facts help unearth some layers behind this revered monument which continues to be not just a beacon for Christians around world but also a testament to human creativity and unity across nations and beliefs.