A symbol of Rio de Janerio: Christ the Redeemer

HOUSTON – Christ The Redeemer, a shining symbol of Brazilian Christianity, is one of Rio De Janerio’s premier tourist attractions.

“It’s awesome!  The experience is just riveting...mind blowing,” said Nichole Thomas, an American tourist from Nashville. 

At 98 feet tall, it’s one of the seven wonders of the world and a cultural icon of sorts, not just for Rio but for the entire country of Brazil.

“He's so big, massive. There are so many little details of the statue that you don't see in photos you have to be here to see them. The heart on his chest and things like that,” said Annabel Battersby, an English tourist.

The statue welcomes visitors with open arms. So many like to make sure they capture its image from just the right angle. The view from the statue is, in one word, spectacular. You can see Sugarloaf Mountain and all of the city’s world famous beaches. 

For some, being in the statue’s presence evokes strong emotions. “Just a feeling of renewal, just hope and knowing that we are truly, truly blessed,” Nichole Thomas said.

In 2008,  the giant statue was struck by lightning during a violent thunderstorm, causing quite a bit of damage to the head eyebrows and fingers. It took years to repair all of that damage.


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