Christ the Redeemer "Corcovado"
Christ the Redeemer "Corcovado"
A monumental 38-meter statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro from Mount Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer is among the seven new wonders of the world.
The Christ the Redeemer dominates Rio de Janeiro from the summit of Mount Corcovado, at 710 meters of altitude. Inaugurated in 1931, the 38-meter-high statue has become one of the symbols of Brésil. Designated a historical monument in 1973, it has been counted among the seven new wonders of the modern world since 2007.
Why visit Christ the Redeemer
The site combines three complementary attractions. First, a monumental work created by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Paul Landowski, whose outstretched arms span 28 meters. Next, a 360° panorama over Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, as well as Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Finally, an immersion in the Tijuca forest, one of the world's largest urban forests, traversed to reach the summit.
History of the monument
The idea of erecting a religious monument on top of Corcovado came from Lazarite priest Pedro Maria Boss in 1859. The project lay dormant until 1921, when the Catholic Church revived it on the occasion of the centennial of Brésil's Independence. The foundation stone was laid on April 4, 1922, and fundraising began in 1923.
That same year, engineer Heitor da Silva Costa was commissioned to design the plans. He entrusted the sculpture to Frenchman Paul Landowski, then renowned for his monumental works. The elements were prepared in France before being assembled on site. Construction took approximately five years.
The statue was inaugurated on October 12, 1931. It was designated a historical monument in 1973, then included in 2007 among the seven new wonders of the modern world. Several restoration campaigns have since reinforced its reinforced concrete structure covered with soapstone.
What you will see on site
At the summit, multiple observation levels surround the statue. Stairs and mechanical escalators lead to the main platform, located at the foot of Christ. From this point, you observe the statue from below and perceive the thickness of the work: an 8-meter base houses a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida.
Going around the statue, panoramic terraces offer distinct views:
- to the east, Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain and Santos Dumont airport;
- to the south, the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon;
- to the west, the Maracanã and northern Rio;
- inward, the canopy of Tijuca National Park.
A dining area and gift shop are located on an intermediate level, below the main platform.
Practical information
- Location: summit of Mount Corcovado, Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro.
- Duration of visit: allow 2 to 3 hours on site, excluding travel time.
- Admission: paid access to the sanctuary, with pricing varying by mode of access and season. Online booking recommended.
- Hours: daily daytime opening, time slots defined upon booking.
- Accessibility: escalators and elevators from the train station to the platform.
- Tips: bring a light jacket (altitude cools the air), comfortable shoes and sun protection. Avoid large bags.
When to visit
Rio de Janeiro enjoys a tropical climate, but the Corcovado summit is regularly enveloped in clouds. The dry season, from April to October, offers the best visibility conditions. The Southern winter (June to August) combines a often clear sky with more comfortable temperatures at the summit.
Summer (December to March) is hotter and more humid, with an increased risk of haze at the summit. To limit crowds, choose the first morning slots or late afternoon. Peak tourist season peaks between Christmas and Carnival, as well as in July: advance booking becomes essential.
How to get there
The foot of Mount Corcovado is reached via the Cosme Velho neighborhood, São Judas Tadeu area. Three options exist.
By public transport
The nearest metro station is Largo do Machado. From there, a bus (line 580 or equivalent, check locally) reaches Cosme Velho. Several bus lines also serve the neighborhood directly from downtown and the south zone.
By Corcovado cogwheel train
The Corcovado cogwheel train departs from the Cosme Velho station and crosses the Tijuca forest to the summit. Departures run approximately every 30 minutes. The journey takes about twenty minutes and is the most iconic option.
By official minibus
Official shuttles connect the summit from two city points: Praça do Lido in Copacabana and Città America in Barra da Tijuca. This option allows you to combine transport and final ascent.
Nearby
The visit naturally extends to the immediate surroundings and beyond:
- the Tijuca National Park, crossed by the train and accessible by several trails;
- the city of Rio de Janeiro, its beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain and historic center;
- to extend your trip through Brésil, the Anavilhanas National Park in the Amazon, or Gruta do Lago Azul and Buraco das Araras in Mato Grosso do Sul.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
The statue measures 38 meters high, including 8 meters for the base, and has a span of 28 meters between the two ends of the arms.
Allow 2 to 3 hours on site, plus approximately 1 hour of round-trip travel from south Rio.
Yes, especially during high season (December to March and July). Online booking secures a time slot and avoids long queues.
Yes. From the train or minibus arrival, escalators and elevators allow you to reach the main platform without using stairs.
Early morning generally offers the best visibility and more moderate crowds. Late afternoon, however, allows you to observe the golden light on the bay.
Plan your trip
Christ the Redeemer fits naturally into a stay in Rio de Janeiro, complementing Sugarloaf Mountain, the beaches of the south zone and the historic center. To build a custom itinerary, consult our Brésil travel suggestions.
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