The statue's internal framework is made of reinforced concrete, chosen for its durability against the elements.
Workers glued the triangular soapstone tiles to the structure by hand, often writing names or messages on the back of the pieces.
The statue was funded almost entirely by donations from the Brazilian public rather than government grants.
A major restoration project in 2010 replaced the soapstone tiles and cleaned the internal structure of the monument.
The statue experiences an average of three to five lightning strikes per year.
The interior of the statue is hollow and contains a narrow staircase leading to the arms.
The base of the pedestal was originally intended to be a different shape until the architectural design shifted toward the current square base.
Christ the Redeemer is a 30-meter tall Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ situated at the 710-meter summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. The monument, inaugurated in 1931, is constructed of reinforced concrete and covered in a mosaic of thousands of triangular soapstone tiles. It was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Paul Landowski. The statue stands on an 8-meter pedestal that contains a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida. It is located within the Tijuca National Park, a protected tropical rainforest area. The structure is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The mountain summit provides 360-degree panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the city's coastal beaches. The statue has lightning rods embedded in its arms and head to protect it from frequent strikes.
The viewing platform directly in front of the statue allows for a full-body vertical shot of the monument against the sky.
Purchase tickets for the Corcovado Train in advance online, as it is the most popular way to ascend the mountain.
Check live webcams of the summit before heading up to ensure cloud cover is not obscuring the view.
Bring a light jacket, as temperatures at the mountain peak are significantly lower than at sea level.
Avoid booking tours that do not explicitly include transport to the top; standard city taxis are often restricted from the final ascent.
Modest dress is required as the base of the statue houses an active consecrated chapel.
