Christ the Redeemer

Dear Diary,

Here we are at another destination, in our journey through the new World Wonders. Can you imagine a 30 metre statue standing high without a single support? If not, here is an actual example for such a statue; no wonder it was declared one of the wonders of the world!

This statue of Jesus Christ, known as Christ the Redeemer, is situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue stands 39.6 metres (130 ft) tall on a 20 ft pedestal, weighs 700 tons and is located at the peak of the 700m Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park, overlooking the city.

It towers above the marvellous city with its open arms. From one hand to the other, it measures almost 30 metres. The statue, which is a symbol of Christianity, has become an icon of Rio and Brazil.

Since it was placed on top of the 2,300 ft Corcovado Mountain in 1931, this figure has been one of the most well-known symbols of Rio. It is visible night and day from most of the city's neighbourhoods. Its left arm points to Rio de Janeiro's north zone, while the right points to the south zone. The site offers spectacular views of Panama, the Maracana Soccer Stadium and the Serra do Orgaos mountain range.

If you happen to be in Rio, a visit to Christ the Redeemer is absolutely necessary. If you do want to visit, let me tell you how to get there.

You need to go to the Cosme Velho District, or more specifically, Rua Cosme Velho 513. This is where you buy the tickets for the small red train that goes uphill.

You could also get a taxi all the way to the top, but with the train, you get to enjoy the steep tour through the Atlantic Rainforest right upto the foot of the statue, offering stunning glimpses of Rio from many different angles.

We, as birds, could have easily flown to the top. However, our team wanted to experience the train ride, and let me tell you, it was marvellous! If any of you visit the place one day, I think this is best way to travel to the top.

The cog-wheel train leaves every 30 minutes on a 17-minute ride that is almost straight up. At the top, be prepared to climb a number of stairs to get to the base of the statue.

When you finally reach the top, you will be rewarded for your troubles with a heavenly view. The entire city spreads out in magnificent scenery during the day, and glittering and magical after dark.

Finally, let me tell you a bit of history about this statue. The idea for building a large statue atop the Corcovado had been floating around since the mid-1850s.

When Catholic priest Pedro Maria Boss requested financing from Princess Isabel to build a large religious monument, Princess Isabel did not think much of the idea, which was completely dismissed in 1889, when Brazil became a Republic, with laws mandating the separation of church and state.

The second proposal for a large landmark statue on the mountain was made in 1921. The designs considered for the 'Statue of the Christ' included a representation of the Christian cross, a statue of Jesus with a globe in his hands, and a pedestal symbolising the world. Christ the Redeemer with open arms was chosen from these designs.

Local engineer Heitor da Silva Costa designed the statue; Paul Landowski, a French monument sculptor of Polish origin, sculpted it.

A group of engineers and technicians studied Landowski's submissions (theories) and the decision was made to build the structure out of reinforced concrete (designed by Albert Caquot) instead of steel, which was deemed more suitable for the cross-shaped statue. The outer layers were made of soapstone, which was chosen for its enduring (long-lasting) qualities and ease of use.

Stone for the monument was transported from Limhamn in Malmo, Sweden. Construction lasted five years, from 1926 to 1931, and the monument was opened on October 12, 1931. In October 2006, on the statue's 75th anniversary, Archbishop of Rio Cardinal Eusebio Oscar Scheid blessed a chapel under the statue. This allows Catholics to hold baptisms and weddings there.

That's another World Wonder visited by me and my team this week. I am feeling a bit tired after my long flight to South America, so that's it for the moment.

Bye!

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