Arms outstretched above Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) is one of the most recognisable statues on Earth and a symbol of Brazil. Standing on the 700-metre peak of Corcovado mountain inside a rainforest national park, it offers one of the most spectacular city views anywhere. On 12 October 2026 it celebrated its 95th anniversary. In Part 10 of World Landmarks, we tell its story and explain the different ways to reach the top.
Christ the Redeemer at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Corcovado mountain, Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro |
| Built | 1922–1931 |
| Inaugurated | 12 October 1931 |
| Height | 30 m statue on an 8 m pedestal (38 m total) |
| Arm span | 28 m |
| Materials | Reinforced concrete covered in soapstone tiles |
| Recognition | New 7 Wonders (2007); part of a UNESCO site (2012) |
A short history
The idea of a religious monument on Corcovado dates back to the 19th century, but the project took shape after Brazil's independence centenary in 1922, championed by the Catholic Church. Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa led the design, French sculptor Paul Landowski created the statue, and French engineer Albert Caquot worked on the reinforced-concrete structure. The Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida is credited with the face.
Instead of bronze or stone, the builders chose reinforced concrete, which was stronger and cheaper, covered with a mosaic of thousands of small triangular soapstone tiles, a material that is durable and easy to work. Materials were carried up the mountain by the Corcovado railway. The statue was inaugurated on 12 October 1931, the feast of Our Lady Aparecida, Brazil's patron saint.
Its exposed position makes it a magnet for lightning. Strikes in 2008 and 2014 damaged the head and fingers, and the lightning protection system was upgraded in 2021. A major restoration in 2010 used tens of thousands of soapstone pieces from the original quarry. In 2007 it was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and in 2012 it became part of UNESCO's "Carioca Landscapes" World Heritage Site.
Ways to get to the top
| Option | Starting point | Price (adult, 2026) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corcovado train | Cosme Velho station | R$134 | Return trip + monument entry |
| Official van | Copacabana (Praça do Lido) or Largo do Machado | R$132 | Return trip + monument entry |
| Official van | Paineiras Visitor Center | R$87 | Short return trip + monument entry |
| Hike | Parque Lage trail | R$60 monument ticket at the top | Free trail; optional R$37 train down |
- The train runs from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, every 20 minutes, through the Atlantic Forest. Check in 40 minutes before departure.
- Reduced fares for students, seniors and people with disabilities apply mainly to Brazilian residents; foreign adults usually pay the full price.
- Children up to 6 travel free on the train on an adult's lap.
- Buy tickets on the official train and van websites to avoid resellers.
Important: escalator works until 2027
From 3 August 2026 to around the end of May 2027, all four escalators at the summit are being replaced. During the works, the number of people allowed on the platform at once has been cut by 50%, and visitors climb the final 80 of 220 steps by stair. The three lifts between the first and second floors keep running, and there is help for people with reduced mobility. Expect longer waits and book ahead.
Best time to visit
- Check the weather: clouds often hide the statue and the view. A clear morning is ideal.
- Go early (before 8:30 am) or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Avoid weekends, holidays, Christmas, New Year and Carnival if you can.
- The park can close in severe weather, as happened during high winds in August 2026.
Hiking up
The trail from Parque Lage in Jardim Botânico climbs through the forest to the summit. It is moderate to hard, takes around two to four hours depending on fitness, and is not recommended for beginners. Go with a group or an accredited guide, start early, carry water, and do not walk on the railway tracks near the top.
Rules and safety
- No pets in the national park, and do not feed the monkeys or other animals.
- Strollers must be folded on the train, and there is no luggage storage.
- A first-aid post with a defibrillator serves the summit.
95th anniversary exhibition
To mark the 95th anniversary, a free exhibition, "Cristo Redentor – Rumo aos 100 Anos" (Towards 100 Years), opened at the Paineiras Visitor Center in October 2026 and runs for about six months, on weekdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. A museum is planned for the statue's centenary in 2031.
Visa note
Since 10 April 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada and Australia need an e-visa to visit Brazil, reported to cost US$80.90. Many other nationalities are visa-free. Check Brazil's official government websites before you travel.
Nearby
Pair the statue with Sugarloaf Mountain and its cable car, part of the same UNESCO site, and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. For another iconic statue, see Part 9: the Statue of Liberty.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Christ the Redeemer?
The statue is 30 metres tall and stands on an 8-metre pedestal, for a total of 38 metres. Its arms span 28 metres.
What is the best way to get to Christ the Redeemer?
The Corcovado train is the most scenic option. The official vans are convenient from Copacabana and Largo do Machado.
Can I visit during the escalator works?
Yes. Visits continue, but capacity at the top is halved and you will climb some stairs.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about two to three hours including travel up and down.
Sources
- Tijuca National Park (ICMBio) – How to visit Corcovado (official)
- Trem do Corcovado – Useful information (official)
- Paineiras-Corcovado – Official van ride
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
- Panrotas – Escalator replacement at Christ the Redeemer (July 2026)
- Prensa Mercosur – Christ the Redeemer celebrates 95 years (Oct 2026)
World Landmarks: the full series
- Part 1: Eiffel Tower
- Part 2: Acropolis of Athens
- Part 3: Angkor Wat
- Part 4: Great Wall of China
- Part 5: Chichén Itzá
- Part 6: Stonehenge
- Part 7: Alhambra
- Part 8: Sagrada Família
- Part 9: Statue of Liberty
- Part 10: Christ the Redeemer (you are here)
- Part 11: Neuschwanstein Castle
- Part 12: Tower of London
- Part 13: Forbidden City
- Part 14: Terracotta Army
- Part 15: Sydney Opera House
- Part 16: Pompeii
- Part 17: Palace of Versailles
- Part 18: Vatican and Sistine Chapel
- Part 19: Hagia Sophia
- Part 20: Louvre Museum
Prices, opening hours and entry rules in this guide were checked against official sources in October 2026. They change often, so always confirm on the official website before you travel.
