Christ the Redeemer

The largest Art Deco structure in the world and the most well-known Christ statue in the world is Rio's Cristo Redentor. It took nine years to finish and was a labor of love by French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian Catholic authorities of the 1920s.

Carioca Christ is undoubtedly the most well-known monument in Brazil and was chosen as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World in 2007. However, it may have appeared completely differently. Locals mocked the statue's initial plans, which depicted the figure carrying a globe in one hand. They called it "Christ with a Balloon." Granddaughter of sculptor Paul Landowski Elisabeth Caillet thinks the statue's universal appeal is largely due to its understated elegance. In any other form, the statue would not have been as popular. It had to have a timeless, universal quality, and my grandfather succeeded in achieving that.

The most famous statue of Jesus is also considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world. It is the 5th largest statue of Jesus in the world with a height of 30 meters (98 ft) – not including its 8 meters (26 ft) pedestal. The statue’s arms stretch 28 meters (92 ft) wide. It is located at the peak of the 700-meter (2,300 ft) Corcovado mountain. The statue has become an icon for Rio de Janeiro and Brazil’s most famous monument. It was constructed between 1926 and 1931. Due to its massive size, the statue has often been struck by lightning, which has caused some damage to the statue. During a storm in 2014, the tip of the statue’s right thumb was damaged. This particular Christ the Redeemer Statue attracts a significant number of tourists to Rio De Janeiro and is so magnificent that it is listed among the 7 wonders of the world.

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Architect: Heitor da Silva Costa, Paul Landowski