What is the Significance of Christ the Redeemer?
Built between April 4, 1922, and October 12, 1931, and located on the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Christ the Redeemer statue signifies the divinity of Jesus Christ, the mercy of God, and Christian redemption for mankind.
Its 92-foot-wide arms stand as a global symbol of peace, as the wonder of the world welcomes approximately three million annual visitors.
Designed by Brazilian Engineer, Heitor da Silva Costa and created by French sculptor Paul Landowski, the idea to build Christ the Redeemer began in the 1850s, when Father Pedro Maria Boss proposed a monument to be built that would be dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the summit of Mount Corcovado.
That being said, Brazil became a republic in 1889; the project was put on hold, but was revived in 1921.
On October 12, 1931, the statue was completed, topping out at 98 feet tall, making it the third tallest statue in the country, behind Rio Grande do Sul’s Christ the Protector (141 feet) and Ceará’s Statue of Our Lady of Fátima (167 to 177 feet).
Furthermore, the name “Redeemer” comes from Christian theology, as Jesus is known as the “redeemer” who freed humanity from sin, darkness, and spiritual darkness through his resurrection.
At the base of the statue sits the Church of Our Lady of Aparecida, opened in October 2006. It is a small, six-meter-wide church that hosts daily services for visitors to Christ the Redeemer.
Overall, in 2007, the statue was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, as it has become a focal point for celebrating Jesus’ sacrifice and Christianity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How tall is the Christ the Redeemer statue?
The Christ the Redeemer statue is 98 feet tall, plus a 26-foot pedestal, making the total statue height 124 feet.
Source: https://www.historyhit.com/locations/christ-the-redeemer/
2) How much does the Christ the Redeemer statue weigh?
The Christ the Redeemer statue weighs 653 metric tons.
Source: https://www.historyhit.com/locations/christ-the-redeemer/
3) How often is the Christ the Redeemer statue struck by lightning?
The summit location of the Christ the Redeemer statue attracts three to six lightning strikes per year, which requires occasional restoration and repairs to the soapstone exterior.
Source: https://www.goaheadtours.com/travel-blog/articles/facts-about-christ-the-redeemer
Why it matters
Christ the Redeemer stands as a powerful symbol of peace and humanity, while serving as a global representation of Christianity.
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