By Louis Diaz


Christ the Redeemer Figurine (Cristo Redentor) together with SugarLoaf (Po de Acar) is one of two things that every tourist to Rio de Janeiro really should see. This huge sculpture stands in Tijuca National Park on the 2300 foot summit of Corcovado Mountain, which in Portuguese means "hunchback", given its name in the eighteenth century due to the odd humped form.

The sculpture had been made to observe the 100th anniversary of Brazilian Freedom in 1922. It had been finished in 1931, and at one hundred twenty-five ft, was crowned the largest sized Art Deco statue on the planet! It's composed of soapstone and concrete and weighs more than seven-hundred tons.

The peak is attained by a cog train that departs each thirty minutes via the train station on Rua Cosme Velho. The train to Corcovado had the distinction in 1901 of becoming the initial electric powered train made in Brazil. But do not get worried, it has since been changed and upgraded! The 15 minute train drive gives a pleasant ride through the exotic Rio de Janeiro forest alongside a steep and turning set of tracks.

Visitors who come by automobile or cab can also drive to the summit versus utilizing the train. Tour organizations will frequently have travellers ride the train up and then ride back down in the tour vehicle.

The moment you reach the summit of Corcovado Mountain, was previously a series of 220 steps to ascend in order to arrive at the base of Christ the Redeemer Statue. However, not long ago an elevator and escalator system has been set up to make it possible for any individual to visit. In 2006, a tiny chapel was constructed in the base of the statue, now marriage ceremonies and baptisms are performed here.

The vistas of Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Apartments, Ipanema Hotels and beyond are undoubtedly stunning. Whenever one looks upwards at the amazing Christ from the podium and afterward away to the wonder of the neighboring mountain ranges, bay, and the ocean, it's easy to comprehend why Christ the Redeemer had been lately named one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World".




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