Redentor

Redentor, meaning Redeemer in Portuguese, most commonly refers to Cristo Redentor, a monumental statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue stands on the summit of the Corcovado mountain within the Tijuca National Park, overlooking the city at an elevation around 700 meters above sea level. It measures 38 meters in total height—30 meters for the statue on an 8-meter pedestal—with an arm span of about 28 meters, giving it a prominent presence over the city.

Development and construction: The project was led by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, with the sculptural form created by French artist Paul Landowski. The face was modeled by Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida. Construction began in 1922 and the statue was completed and inaugurated on October 12, 1931. The outer mantle is clad in soapstone blocks, chosen for durability in Brazil’s climate; the inner structure is reinforced concrete.

Significance and status: Cristo Redentor has become one of the most recognized symbols of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, drawing millions of visitors each year and appearing in numerous works of art and media. The statue and its surrounding area are part of the Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2012. Access to the site is via road or by the Corcovado Rack Railway, with a viewing platform at the top.

Overall, Cristo Redentor stands as a key cultural landmark, emblematic of Rio de Janeiro and Brazilian religious and architectural heritage.