Rio de Janeiro is one of the most famous and vibrant cities in Brazil, and its landmark is the Corcovado mountain, where the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. In this article, I will share some facts and tips about visiting this amazing place.
The Corcovado (which means “hunchback” in Portuguese) is a 710-meter-high granite peak located in the Tijuca Forest, a national park that covers most of the city’s hills. The mountain offers a panoramic view of the city center, the Sugarloaf Mountain, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, several favelas and the Guanabara Bay.
The statue of Christ the Redeemer was built between 1922 and 1931 by French sculptor Paul Landowsky and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. It is 38 meters tall and weighs 635 tons. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and a symbol of Brazil’s Catholic faith.
To visit the Corcovado, you can take a train from Cosme Velho station, which was inaugurated in 1884 by Emperor Pedro II and was the first electric railway in Brazil. The train ride takes about 20 minutes and passes through the lush forest. Alternatively, you can take a van or a taxi from different points in the city, or hike from Parque Lage through the forest.
At the top of the mountain, you can admire the statue up close and enjoy the breathtaking view of Rio. There are also souvenir shops, cafeterias and restrooms. You can also visit a small chapel inside the statue’s base.
The Corcovado is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Rio de Janeiro. It is a place of beauty, history and spirituality that will leave you speechless.
