About Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado
The statue of Christ the Redeemer stands 30 meters tall on the summit of Corcovado, arms open over Rio de Janeiro. Designed by Heitor da Silva Costa with sculptor Paul Landowski, it was built of reinforced concrete faced with soapstone tiles and inaugurated in 1931 as a symbol of Brazil's Catholic faith. The idea for a religious monument on Corcovado dated back to the nineteenth century, and Catholics across Brazil donated funds to make it real. The statue was named one of the New Seven Wonders in 2007.
At its base a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Aparecida hosts Masses, baptisms and weddings. The summit sits within Tijuca National Park, and the rack railway climbs through Atlantic rainforest to reach it. Though crowds and cameras dominate the platform, early visitors often find a moment of stillness as clouds part to reveal the bay, Sugarloaf and the city below. Pilgrims climb for prayer as well as for the panorama.
What to see
- Statue of Christ the Redeemer
- Chapel of Our Lady of Aparecida at the base
- Corcovado rack railway through the forest
- Views of Sugarloaf and Guanabara Bay
- Tijuca National Park trails
Visiting Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado: practical guide
- Best time
- Clear mornings, April to October
- Hours
- Open daily, roughly 8:00 to 19:00
- Entry
- Paid train or van ticket including entry
- Dress code
- Casual; modest inside the chapel
- Nearest airport
- Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), 12 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Check the summit webcam for cloud cover
- Take the first train to beat crowds
- Book train tickets online in high season
Festivals and special days
- Anniversary of the statue (12 October)
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Christianity tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
- Men usually remove hats indoors, while some Orthodox churches ask women to cover their hair.
- Avoid sightseeing in the main aisle during Mass or services.
- Check whether photography and flash are allowed before taking pictures.
- Keep your voice low and switch phones to silent.
- Only receive Communion if you understand and follow that church's rules.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado?
Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado is in Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, South America. GPS coordinates: -22.9519, -43.2106. The nearest airport is Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), 12 km.
What is the best time to visit Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado?
Clear mornings, April to October
Is there an entry fee for Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado?
Paid train or van ticket including entry Opening hours: Open daily, roughly 8:00 to 19:00
What should I wear when visiting Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado?
Casual; modest inside the chapel
Which religion is Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado sacred to?
Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado is sacred to Christianity. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
