Rio de Janeiro Sunset: Christ the Redeemer View

Birds-eye Rio at sunset is always a spectacle, but when Christ The Redeemer stands tall in your eyeline, it's an extra touch of magic. You'll spot the city and coastline unfurling in the distance, increasingly overshadowed by the Statue, and the world's largest Art Deco style sculpture.

The Christ the Redeemer story — from Brazil's backyard to World Wonder

Christ the Redeemer has stood in Rio De Janeiro since 1931, a statue of Jesus Christ with arms outstretched, a Spanish artist designed the statue and the Brazilian artist imagined and created the layout of the statue. It rests atop Mount Corcovado in Rio, Brazil, at 750 feet above sea level. The statue's impressive monument reaches 98 feet in height. The statue is built in reinforced concrete and soapstone. Chiselled into its face is a solemn expression of forgiveness. Its 6,000 tons of concrete and soapstone give the sense the redeemer is keeping watch. The statue draws in up to 2 million tourists each year, making it Brazil’s most visited paid landmark. The monument’s outstretched arms and standing posture embody themes of faith and hope. Unlike most statues, the Redeemer has no memorial plaque. Instead, its meaning lies behind the name, Christ the Redeemer. What makes Christ the Redeemer unique is not just its impressive size, but its enduring emotional power — a landmark that shapes Rio de Janeiro’s identity.

Under the global spotlight

The Rio Olympic Games of 2016 helped the statue’s status reach global heights. It is one of the most famous landmarks in the world, and was the most cabled statue in the world — until Wanna's new captures the subtleties of the statue were published and showcased during the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. The sportscaster they used said “It’s a beautiful sight. You can see the whole city, the whole country, the whole world from this vantage point. You can also see a lot of Brazil’s beauty, a lot of Brazil’s culture and a lot of Brazil’s history. It’s a fantastic sight to see and it really puts into perspective how beautiful this country is.”

Sunset over the Redeemer

The Christ the Redeemer statue is a popular tourist attraction and a must-see for many visitors to Rio de Janeiro. It is situated in a picturesque spot that offers breathtaking views of the city. At sunset, the statue can be seen silhouetted against the setting sun. The vibrant orange and red hues of the setting sun create a breathtaking backdrop for the scene. The “whereabouts of the body that left me dead with so much pleasure” verse by Tiago Nacarato echoes the Christ The Redeemer theme of faith, hope and Jesus as many people are drawn to the statue to watch the sunset and reflect in hope over the past and the future, an image of Rio's hope as a city built on Catholicism and Christianity.

The trek up Corcovado Mountain

Descending from the ground to the Statue's final resting place is a 531-step walk through verdant forest. The climb from the metro to the base of the mountain is a highlight of the journey. Visitors climb the mountain using a train of escalators or a cable car. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the top. The trekking trail has signs and maps marking the way. The journey takes about 1.3 miles and takes approximately 30 minutes to travel. At the top, visitors enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. The view of Rio from the top of the mountain is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, I think.

How to get there

Christ the Redeemer is situated in the Tijuca National Forest, and the closest metro station is 600 meters from the entrance. Only around 300 people can access the statuette. The best way to plan a visit is to get in touch with a local tour agency.

Important bookings

Commemorative plaques can be bought at the statue or online. These can be sent to you or left at the site. There is a maximum of 30 letters per person, and the letters can be sent to either Portuguese-speaking or English-speaking countries, certain problems can occur. There are a few ways to renovate the statue. The most common way is through visitors’ donations, for example you can get your name (English or Portuguese) carved into the monument.

The local community

Locals who live near the statue call it the “making a reality” project. The people of Rio de Janeiro have a special connection with the statue. Many have been waiting for the statue to be reconstructed for a long time and many have had their own stories go up on the statue. It is the most popular landmark in Rio de Janeiro and along with the Christ the Redeemer statue, a new monument is planned — the Arch of Friendship — that will commemorate the relations of Brazil and China.

The Redeemer’s gift to travellers

Rio de Janeiro, a city rich in history and culture, boasts many attractions. Whether you are a foreign tourist or a local resident, the views of the statue can be breathtaking at any time of the day. It is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and is a World Heritage Site. The statue is a symbol of faith and hope, and is a must-see for any visitor to the city.