The statue of Christ the Redeemer sits at an elevation of 2,300 feet above Corcovado mountain and has a total weight of roughly 635 tons. It's a 98-foot-long and 92-foot-wide statue. It has a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro below. One of the new seven wonders of the world.
The statue was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French sculptor Paul Landowski. Landowski created the hands and head of the statue in France, which were then shipped to Brazil for assembly.
The final design, with Christ standing with outstretched arms, was chosen to symbolize peace, welcome, and embrace. This design was seen as more inclusive and universal.
At the foot of Christ the Redeemer a chapel named Capela de Nossa Senhora Aparecida (Chapel of Our Lady of Aparecida), is located which was built to provide a space for prayer and religious ceremonies.
The statue is located on Corcovado Mountain, a high point in Rio de Janeiro, making it susceptible to lightning strikes during thunderstorms. The statue has been struck by lightning about 20 times since it was completed in 1931.