The world-famous mountain, located within the boundaries of Rio de Janeiro, because of its bizarre shape in the Middle Ages was called Corcovado, which translates as "hunchback". Its popularity has skyrocketed since it became the plinth for a giant statue of Jesus, considered one of the world's seven wonders of the world.
Mount Corcovado is a local landmark, visible from anywhere in the city, which offers an amazing panorama of the colorful Rio de Janeiro.
The Creed of the Brazilians
A huge peak with a height of 704 meters is located in the largest park in the world - Tijuca. This is a wonderful place for family holidays for all locals and tourists. And above this mountain splendor rises the majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Brazil considers it to be its symbol of faith, because outstretched arms seem to embrace and protect the former capital of the country and its inhabitants.
History of the installation of the statue
The history of the installation of the monument to Jesus Christ is very interesting and deserves a detailed story.
In 1922 at the celebration of the centenary of independenceBrazil, local authorities decided to erect a giant monument to Columbus in Rio de Janeiro. However, residents felt that it would be more symbolic to erect a statue of Jesus.
After a popular vote, the final decision was made to erect a sculpture of Christ the Redeemer. Several mountain ranges were considered, but in the end, Mount Corcovado won as the highest point in the city. At the same time, the first stone of the future grandiose monument was laid at the base.
Winning project
A year later, a project that everyone liked won at the competition. A local artist depicted Jesus with open arms, and from afar, his figure resembled a huge cross. It was originally planned that the base of the sculpture would be a pedestal in the form of a globe, but later this idea was abandoned.
Problems with finances and masters
After the approval of the project, the Brazilians faced the problem of lack of funds for the implementation of the monument. A fundraiser was launched, and soon more than two million reais were sent to ensure that the statue of Christ the Redeemer was made as soon as possible.
Brazil as an agricultural country experienced great difficulties. There were no highly qualified craftsmen who could cast a huge statue, so all the details were ordered in France. Local sculptors and engineers also worked to create a frame protecting the statue.
Grand opening
In 1924 there werethe first parts were made of gypsum, and a seven-meter pedestal was installed on the mountain. The Brazilian builders were greatly helped by the oldest railway operating by that time, along which all parts of the statue and the necessary materials were transported upwards.
Work ended in 1931. It was then that the grandiose opening of a unique monument took place - a symbol of faith not only of the city, but of the whole country. Until now, residents remember how, in the light of the day on October 12, a statue weighing more than a thousand tons was hiding under the cloth enveloping it. Mount Corcovado was filled with excited people, and many prayed right on the streets of their native city, hoping for a speedy opening.
A floating figure
The statue appeared before the astonished eyes of the inhabitants in complete darkness when night fell on the city. Thousands of people prayed in unison, and when spotlights flashed on the mountain, illuminating the almost 40-meter sculpture, it seemed to everyone that Christ was floating in the air, embracing humanity.
For many years, every evening, when a mountain in Brazil is plunged into darkness, powerful lights are directed at it, and the statue of Jesus appears as a grandiose figure, detached from the Earth. Millions of people come to Rio every year to witness the amazing performance, confessing that they have never seen anything more majestic.
In 1973, the statue of Christ was listed as the national symbol of the country.
Steep climb up
Mount Corcovado (South America), which will reach in 20minutes, a railway train, designed for a steep climb, waits for its visitors every day. And to get to the top, you need to overcome the stairs of 223 steps or take a special elevator.
Extreme mountain climbing
This route is very popular with extreme people who come from all over the globe to Mount Corcovado. Rio de Janeiro is considered to be the rock climbing center of Brazil, and the surroundings of Tijuca Park are a favorite place not only for hiking tourists.
Conquering the height of the national landmark is a very interesting climb that requires good equipment and sufficient physical fitness.
Climbers overcome a distance of 710 meters along specially laid routes.
Tourist pilgrimage center
Every year, pilgrims from all over the world go a long way to admire the grandeur and beauty of the symbol of the country's liberation and rebirth. Surprisingly, for so many years, not a single severe damage was caused to the statue.
Even the terrible storm that raged in 2008, remembered for its destructive actions in the country, did not damage the gigantic monument. And the lightning that struck the statue of Christ left no trace. Scientists attribute this to the properties of the material from which the statue is made, and Catholics attach a sacred meaning to the amazing fact.
Mount Corcovado, home to the country's most photographed landmark, isthe visiting card of Rio de Janeiro and the center of tourist pilgrimage. The symbol of faith, kindness and love attracts millions of tourists who come from the farthest corners of our earth just to bow to Jesus and let the Lord into their hearts.
