Details of the engineering, materials and history behind the Rio icon, which, according to Unknown Facts, had no deaths during construction.

A construction of Christ the Redeemer is undoubtedly one of the greatest feats of Brazilian engineering, resulting in the country’s most famous monument. Situated atop Corcovado Mountain, 700 meters of altitude in Rio de Janeiro, the statue of 38 meters is a global icon. But the story of how it was built, facing immense logistical challenges, is as impressive as the view from the site.

The origin of the idea and the winning project

The first proposal for a Christian monument on Corcovado dates back to the 1850s. Father Pedro Maria Bóss suggested the work as a tribute to Princess Isabel, daughter of Dom Pedro II. Although the princess supported the idea, she rejected the name “The Redeemer,” insisting that the tribute be paid to the “true Redeemer of mankind,” Jesus Christ. However, with the Proclamation of the Republic and the official separation of Church and State, the plan was abandoned.

The idea resurfaced strongly around 1921, driven by the Catholic Circle of Rio de Janeiro. The group, as Fatos Desconhecidos points out, organized “Monument Week” to raise funds. The social mobilization was massive, including a petition signed by more than 22 thousand women, who asked the president at the time, Epitácio Pessoa, for authorization for the work.

The initial design was different, suggesting a Christ with a globe in his hands and a pedestal symbolizing the world. However, the winning design was what we know today: the statue with open arms and head tilted downward, symbolizing protection and blessing over the city. The engineer in charge was Heitor da Silva Costa, who won the competition, working alongside Brazilian visual artist Carlos Osvaldo and French sculptor Paul Landowski.

Engineering and logistics: the work at the top of the hill

A construction of Christ the Redeemer faced monumental logistical challenges. The construction site was located 700 meters above sea level, in a difficult-to-access location, where workers suffered from intense heat, storms, and lightning.

The transportation of materials and parts was made possible by Corcovado RailwayThe railway, which had existed since 1884 and was the first electrified railway in the country, was crucial for transporting cement and parts up the hill. Engineer Heitor da Silva Costa set up his office in what is now the Chapel, closely supervising every detail of the complex project.

To optimize work, the construction site was divided into two sections. One section was at the top, housing storage areas, scaffolding, a crane, a freight elevator, and the concrete mixer. The second section was lower down, with areas for cutting, welding, storage, and the workers’ common area, including bathrooms and dormitories. A platform transported materials from the lower to the upper section, later giving way to the stairs.

From French plaster to Brazilian concrete

Although the structure is a feat of Brazilian engineering, many are mistaken in thinking that Christ the Redeemer was 100% Brazilian. The most detailed parts, like the head and hands, came from France. Sculptor Paul Landowski created the plaster molds, which were sent by ship to Rio de Janeiro. The head alone was made up of about 50 different pieces, and the hands were over 3 meters long.

The internal structure, designed by Heitor da Silva Costa, is made of reinforced concrete and essentially hollow. It has four pillars and 12 internal floors, allowing for circulation. Construction on Corcovado began with the arms, which extend 28 meters from end to end. Next, the head (built from top to bottom) and hands were assembled.

Finally, the entire concrete structure received its iconic cladding. The monument is covered in thousands of small triangular soapstones, which give it its characteristic appearance and protection.

The legacy: safety, restorations and recognition

A construction of Christ the Redeemer it lasted incredible nine years, being completed in 1931. The official inauguration took place on October 12 of that year. A curious and notable fact, highlighted by Fatos Desconhecidos, is that, despite all the difficulties, working at heights and the risks involved, no workers died during the work.

The monument was designed to be robust, capable of withstanding winds of up to 250 km/h and has lightning rods installed on its head and arms. Over the decades, it has undergone several maintenance projects. In 1990, the first major restoration took place. In 2003, elevators and escalators were installed to facilitate tourist access. In 2010, further restoration replaced the mortar and more than 60 thousand pieces of soapstone, taken from the same quarry used in the original statue.

The grandeur of the work gained the worldwide recognition it deserved. On July 7, 2007, Christ the Redeemer was elected one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, in a global vote that surpassed 100 million votes, cementing its place alongside icons such as the Great Wall of China and the Colosseum