Where is the statue of Christ the Savior (Redeemer)?

The statue of Christ the Savior is the world's second largest art deco building. This monumental symbol of Christianity, a statue stretching its arms above the city, is the main decoration of the city. So, what city was honored to possess a unique monument? What country? The statue of Christ the Savior is set in Rio de Janeiro. Tourists are eager to visit Brazil to see it with their own eyes.

Seven Wonders of the World

Everyone knows the amazing art of the Ancient World: the Egyptian pyramids, the Sphinx, the hanging gardens of the Semiramis, the statue of Zeus in Olympia, the temple of Artemis in Ephesus, the mausoleum in Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes and the Alexandria lighthouse.

The statue of Christ the Savior is a unique, but not the only building on our planet that deserves attention. In 2007 it was decided to create a list of famous modern architectural structures to choose the New Seven Wonders of the World. Among them were the pyramids of Giza, Chichen Itza, Taj Mahal, Petra, Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum and the statue of Christ the Savior. It is about the latter that will be discussed today, so we will move to Brazil and see what is interesting here.

Rio de Janeiro - the pearl of Brazil

This fantastic city wants to visit every tourist. European architecture, the sea of lights, luxury jewelry stores and even the Museum of Jewels. Even more famous are local beaches: gentle white sand and a gentle ocean give a true delight. The botanical garden with fountains and magnificent alleys is perfect for leisurely walks.

In Rio there are a lot of architectural monuments that you can visit, and the most famous among them is the statue of Christ the Savior on Mount Corcovado. It can be seen hundreds of times on TV or on the Internet, but you will never experience the thrill that engulfs everyone who finds himself at the foot of the giant at an altitude of 704 meters above sea level.

A bit of history

Every year thousands of tourists come to the city, where there is a statue of Christ the Savior. This stunning statue does not leave even the atheists, far from the Christian faith, indifferent.

The peak, which was later erected a statue, as early as the fourteenth century was called the "Mountain of Temptation." Its unusual shape later led to a change of name, and it became known as Corcovado, which in Russian means "hunchback".

In 1859, before a whole series of research expeditions, the priest of the Catholic Church Pedro Maria Boss visited here. Conquered by the picturesque beauty of these places, he decided to erect a statue of Christ on the mountain, which will serve as a symbol of protection and protect the city. Not for nothing is the place where the statue of Christ the Savior is located, the city of Rio de Janeiro was chosen. A stunning panorama of the city, bays with a picturesque mountain Sugarloaf and openwork shoreline is associated with nothing else than a picture of modern paradise.

Competition of projects

The church was not ready to implement such a large-scale project at its own expense, so the project was postponed and construction of a railway was begun, which was supposed to help in the delivery of construction materials.

In 1921 a festival was organized, called "Monument Week". During its holding, donations for construction were collected.

Since the city where the statue of Christ the Savior found its permanent place, so actively participated in the implementation of this idea, it was decided to announce a competition for the best project. Architects and engineers immediately responded by offering dozens of different options. The city administration chose the project of Heitor da Silva Costa: his statue expressed the maximally the idea of Christianity, since the figure with outstretched hands resembled a cross.

I must say that the project has undergone some changes. After much debate, the engineers replaced the pedestal in the form of a ball, symbolizing the earth, into a rectangular one. In it, a small chapel was laid, which continues to this day. The dais made marble.

Location:

Construction lasted about 9 years, from 1922 to 1931. It was a truly grandiose project. To create such a miracle as a statue of Christ the Savior, the country at that time was not ready technically, so it was decided to produce all the details in France, and then to deliver by rail to the top of Mount Corcovado. Here they were met by local craftsmen and sculptors who were assembling. The figure is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone.

October 12, 1931 the solemn opening and consecration of the statue took place. From the final track of the railway to the summit of the mountain, a winding staircase was made, consisting of 220 steps, along which numerous pilgrims, tourists and townspeople ascended. Since then, on the majestic mountain of Corcovado, towering 704 meters above sea level, in the mysterious haze of clouds and fog there is a beautiful statue of Christ the Savior. The city, under the powerful protection of Jesus, has a fantastic vision, from which the heart freezes ... The statue became a symbol of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil.

Description

The idea of the figure of Christ, standing with open arms, says that all things are in the hands of the Lord. The statue can be seen from anywhere in the city, at any time of the day. Particularly charming, it looks in the rays of the setting sun from the helicopter's window. Private companies provide such a service: a slow circumnavigation of the monumental figure of Christ in a circle. Its height along with the pedestal is impressive - 39.6 meters, and the range of arms - 30 meters. The weight of the giant is over 1100 tons!

Time travel

To plunge into the era of the monument, you should use the old transport, preserved since 1896. An antique type of tramway goes until now, connecting the upper and lower levels of the city. Just imagine that he is over 100 years old, just as before the eyes of the past decades ...

The journey will be slow and will give you the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views. Squeaking in the corners and with difficulty overcoming a steep climb, the tram brings you to the foot of the stairs leading to the viewing platform. A total of 220 steps - and you have a statue. From this perspective the pedestal looks much more impressive in part because the natural pedestal is the mountain itself. Many speak of a special, mysterious aura enveloping the figure. With this it is difficult not to agree, because next to such a work of art you experience a mystical trembling.

Recommendations for tourists

Do not long to luxuriate in bed, if you decide to make a trip to the beautiful. The statue of Christ the Savior is in one of the most visited cities, so the influx of tourists here is very large. Closer to noon, you risk stuck in the queue for a long time. And the lift, and the tram, and the staircase itself have a limited capacity, so early morning is the best time for the excursion.

With transport there are no problems: every 30 minutes from the city there is a train that delivers those who wish to the monument. Time will take quite a bit, about 20 minutes. If you do not wish to part with your personal transport, then at the foot of the statue there is a good parking. From here you can do a foot climb or use a modern elevator. Today, there is an opportunity to climb an escalator or cable car, so if you have small children or elderly people, do not worry that the loads will be too much for them.

Do not hurry to leave the site after inspecting the statue: go on an excursion to the Museum of Naive Art, stroll through the magnificent forest on your own or in the company of a guide. Clean air, clear rivers and lakes, exotic animals - all this will give a lot of vivid impressions.

The twin of the statue

The popularity of the monument led to the erection of a number of later analogs. In Lisbon, in the mid-90s of the 20th century, a 28-meter statue was erected. Instead of a 700-meter mountain, a pedestal 80 meters high was used.

In Vietnam, a similar statue is placed with arms outstretched at a height of 32 meters.

In Indonesia, just a few years ago, the construction of the 30-meter Christ monument was over, and this despite the fact that the country is Muslim.

Time, nature, elements

For an incomplete 100 years of serious shocks the statue did not experience. Storms and hurricanes, crushing everything in their path, did not hurt her, like the lightning that often beat her. Someone refers it to the properties of a soapstone, others see this as a sacral value. In one of the strong thunderstorms, the lightning struck two fingers from the hand of Christ. The church keeps a stock of stone from which the monument is made, and in the near future reconstruction of this most valuable historical object is expected.

The cultural heritage is a reflection of the people who created it. The statue of Christ the Savior is eloquent proof of the greatness of Brazil: a magnificent work of art is located in the most beautiful city in the world.