Everything You Need to Know About Christ the Redeemer

 

Everything You Need to Know About Christ the Redeemer

 

There are many fascinating attractions all over the world, but many of them do not hold a candle to the Christ the Redeemer statue down in Rio de Janeiro.  That is the main reason why everyone must take the time to see this magnificent work of art when they are visiting Rio and the rest of the beauty that the city has to offer. 

Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer is a massive statue that can be found at the very top of Corcovado Mountain, which is in the Tijuca Forest National Park.  This large statue has become a symbol of Christianity for people all over the world, while also being a cultural icon to those who live in Rio and the rest of Brazil.  However, many people choose to visit Christ the Redeemer, because it has now been named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. 

History of Christ the Redeemer

In the middle of the 1850s, a proposal was suggested to create a type of Christian monument at the top of the mountain, as a way to honor Princess Isabel.  However, the entire project wasn’t approved and was eventually forgotten when the country became a republic during 1889. 

However, the statue was mentioned once again in 1920 and after receiving signatures of approval and lots of donations, the Christ the Redeemer statue was the option that was chosen.  Heitor da Silva Costa is the person to thank for the magnificent design of the statue, as is sculptor, Paul Landowski, as he took the design and created the masterpiece that is seen by millions of people today. 

Facts About Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer was constructed out of reinforced concrete and sandstone between the years of 1922 and 1931.  The statue is ninety-eight meters tall, but that doesn’t include the twenty-six-foot high pedestal.  The arms reach out to the sides, making the hands ninety-two feet apart.  The entire statue weighs seven hundred short tons and the size and weight is amazing, due to its location at the top of a mountain peak. 

Visiting Christ the Redeemer

There are many ways to reach Christ the Redeemer, but the most popular option happens to be the funicular tram.  The journey on the tram begins at the Corcovado train station, and while the ride is only twenty minutes in length, it is uphill the entire way.  The tram runs for thirteen hours each day, every day of the year, and the cost is reasonable.  However, visitors need to find a way to get to the Corcovado train station, which is not near any of the subway stops.  Therefore, travelers will need to take the subway and then walk the rest of the way to the station, which takes approximately forty minutes, or take the bus or a taxi. 

One of the fastest options is taking a van that drives people there right from the heart of Rio de Janeiro, but the trip is not as romantic or intriguing as the tram ride.  Hiking is another option that visitors have when they want to see the Christ the Redeemer statue when they are in Rio de Janeiro.  That journey begins at the trail at Parque Lage, which is next to the botanical gardens.  Everyone should plan on walking for three hours before they reach the top and then they need more time to get back down the mountain again. 

While all these options for visiting Christ the Redeemer are fantastic, most people will want to take the easy way out and hire a tour guide.  The reason for this is not only the fact that they will enjoy their journey more, but because they will also learn more about the statue and the mountain as they are slowly making their way to the top. 

What to See at Christ the Redeemer

Those who take the time to see Christ the Redeemer up close will marvel in the details that are present on the entire statue.  All the mosaics cannot be seen from other vantage points throughout the city, which is why travelers must venture up to the top of Corcovado Mountain to see them right in front of their eyes. 

Of course, there are other things to see while visiting the statue, but the most popular is the Chapel of Our Lady of Aparecida.  This small chapel was placed inside the pedestal back in 2006 and one hundred and fifty people can fit inside there when it is open to the public. 

Other important details that visitors much watch for include the busts of both Heitor da Silva Costa and Cardinal SebastiaoLeme da Silveira Cintra and all the explanatory panels.  The best way for visitors to not miss an inch of Christ the Redeemer is to take a tour and have a tour guide lead them to where everything of importance is located. 

Insider Tips for Christ the Redeemer

As with any other attraction or destination in the world, it is important for travelers to know as much as they possibly can before they arrive at Christ the Redeemer.  Here are the most important insider tips:

·         It is best to visit Christ the Redeemer during the early morning hours during the week or later in the day during the week.  Travelers should avoid peak times on the weekends and during Christmas and Carnival time, as that is when the most people will be there.

·         Visitors will find that taking the perfect selfie is as easy as being up at the top of Corcovado Mountain early in the morning when the sun hasn’t completely risen in the sun.  The afternoons bring the crowds, as well as the sun moving to behind the statue, which creates glaring and bright white spots on photographs. 

·         There are cafés up on top of the mountain, but the lines are always long.  Therefore, past visitors state that it is best to take a picnic lunch to enjoy while taking in all the surrounding views. 

·         Travelers should always utilize a tour guide when going up to see Christ the Redeemer, as the entire experience will be much better.

Entry and Tickets for Christ the Redeemer

The cost to obtain a ticket to go up to see Christ the Redeemer changes with the seasons and it is obviously more expensive during peak times.  Currently, the cost of a ticket is between 55 and 70R$, which translates to between $14 and $18 USD.  Each ticket can be purchased from the ticket machines inside the train station or from the ticket office.  The machines only take credit cards, while the office takes cards, as well as cash. 

The only way to avoid paying the fee for the ticket when arriving at the train station is to pay for it in advance when visitors book a tour.  The tour fee includes the ticket to Christ the Redeemer and travelers will always get much more for their money with the available tours. 

In fact, tours in Rio de Janeiro are the best way to see every area while learning as much as possible about each and every space. 

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