Cultural Heritage Sites Questions
The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro was built in the historical context of Brazil's strong Catholic influence and its desire to showcase its religious devotion. The idea for the statue was conceived in the 1850s by a Catholic priest named Pedro Maria Boss, who proposed the construction of a religious monument on Mount Corcovado. However, it was not until the early 20th century that the project gained momentum.
In the 1920s, Brazil was experiencing a period of political and social change. The country was transitioning from a monarchy to a republic, and there was a growing sense of national identity and pride. The idea of constructing a massive statue of Christ on Mount Corcovado gained popularity as a symbol of Brazil's Christian faith and its role as a predominantly Catholic nation.
The construction of the statue began in 1922 and was completed in 1931. It was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Paul Landowski. The statue stands at a height of 98 feet (30 meters) and has a wingspan of 92 feet (28 meters). It is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, and its arms stretch wide in a gesture of welcome and embrace.
The Christ the Redeemer statue has since become an iconic symbol of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil as a whole. It represents not only the country's religious heritage but also its cultural and natural beauty. It attracts millions of tourists each year and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.