The statue of Christ the Savior is the second in the worldthe size of the building in the style of art deco. This monumental symbol of Christianity, a statue stretching its arms above the city, is the main decoration of the city. So, what city was honored to possess a unique monument? What country? The statue of Christ the Savior is set in Rio de Janeiro. Tourists are eager to visit Brazil to see it with their own eyes.
Everybody knows the amazing monuments of artThe ancient world: the Egyptian pyramids, the sphinx, the hanging gardens of the Semiramis, the statue of Zeus in Olympia, the temple of Artemis in Ephesus, the mausoleum in Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes and the Alexandria lighthouse.
The statue of Christ the Savior is unique, but notThe only building on our planet that deserves attention. In 2007, it was decided to create a list of famous modern architectural structures to choose the New Seven Wonders of the World. Among them were the pyramids of Giza, Chichen Itza, Taj Mahal, Petra, Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum and the statue of Christ the Savior. It is about the latter that will be discussed today, so we will move to Brazil and see what is interesting here.
In Rio there are a lot of architectural monuments thatyou can visit, and the most famous among them is the statue of Christ the Savior on Mount Corcovado. It can be seen hundreds of times on TV or on the Internet, but you will never experience the thrill that engulfs everyone who finds himself at the foot of the giant at an altitude of 704 meters above sea level.
The peak, on which the statue was later erected,in the XIV century they called the "Mountain of Temptation". Its unusual shape later led to a change of name, and it became known as Corcovado, which in Russian means "hunchback."
In 1859, before a series of researchexpeditions, here the priest of the Catholic Church Pedro Maria Boss visited. Conquered by the picturesque beauty of these places, he decided to erect a statue of Christ on the mountain, which will serve as a symbol of protection and protect the city. Not for nothing is the place where the statue of Christ the Savior is located, the city of Rio de Janeiro was chosen. A stunning panorama of the city, bays with a picturesque mountain Sugarloaf and openwork shoreline is associated with nothing else than a picture of modern paradise.
The church was not ready to implement such a large-scale project at its own expense, so the project was postponed and the construction of a railway was begun, which was supposed to help in the delivery of construction materials.
In 1921 a festival was organized, called "Monument Week". During its holding, donations were collected for construction.
Since the city where the statue of Christ the Saviorfound its permanent place, so actively participated in the implementation of this idea, it was decided to announce a competition for the best project. Architects and engineers immediately responded by offering dozens of different options for consideration. The city administration chose the project of Heitor da Silva Costa: his statue expressed the idea of Christianity as much as the figure with arms outstretched resembled a cross.
I must say that the project underwent somechanges. After much debate, the engineers replaced the pedestal in the form of a ball, symbolizing the earth, into a rectangular one. It laid a small chapel, which is still valid today. The dais made marble.
Construction lasted about 9 years, from 1922 to1931 It was a truly grandiose project. To create such a miracle as a statue of Christ the Savior, the country at that time was not ready technically, so it was decided to produce all the details in France, and then to deliver by rail to the top of Mount Corcovado. Here they were met by local craftsmen and sculptors who were assembling. The figure is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone.
October 12, 1931 was held solemnthe opening and consecration of the statue. From the final track of the railway to the summit of the mountain, a winding staircase was made, consisting of 220 steps, along which numerous pilgrims, tourists and townspeople ascended. Since then, on the majestic mountain of Corcovado, rising to 704 meters above sea level, in the mysterious haze of clouds and fog there is a beautiful statue of Christ the Savior. The city, under the powerful protection of Jesus, has a fantastic vision, from which the heart freezes ... The statue became a symbol of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil.
The idea of the figure of Christ standing with the outstretchedhands, says that all things are in the hands of the Lord. The statue can be seen from anywhere in the city, at any time of the day. Especially charming, it looks in the rays of the setting sun from the helicopter's window. Private companies provide such a service: a slow circumnavigation of the monumental figure of Christ in a circle. Its height along with the pedestal is impressive - 39.6 meters, and the range of arms - 30 meters. The weight of the giant is more than 1100 tons!
To plunge into the era of creating a monument,should take advantage of the old transport, preserved since 1896. An antique type of tramway goes until now, connecting the upper and lower levels of the city. Just imagine that he is over 100 years old, just as before the eyes of the past decades ...
The journey will be slow and give youthe opportunity to enjoy magnificent views. Squeaking in the corners and with difficulty overcoming a steep climb, the tram brings you to the foot of the stairs leading to the viewing platform. A total of 220 steps - and you have a statue. From this perspective, the pedestal looks much more impressive in part because the natural pedestal is the mountain itself. Many speak of a special, mysterious aura enveloping the figure. With this it is difficult not to agree, because next to such a work of art you experience a mystical trembling.
Do not long to luxuriate in bed, if you decideto make a journey to the beautiful. The statue of Christ the Savior is in one of the most visited cities, so the influx of tourists here is very large. Closer to noon, you risk stuck in the queue for a long time. And the lift, and the tram, and the staircase itself have a limited capacity, so early morning is the best time for an excursion.
There are no problems with transport:every 30 minutes from the city there is a train, which delivers those who wish to the monument. Time will take quite a bit, about 20 minutes. If you do not wish to part with your personal transport, then at the foot of the statue there is a good parking. From here you can do a foot climb or use a modern elevator. Today there is an opportunity to climb an escalator or cable car, so if you have small children or elderly people, do not worry that the loads will be too much for them.
Do not hurry to leave the site after inspecting the statue:go on an excursion to the Museum of Naive Art, stroll through the magnificent forest on your own or in the company of a guide. Clean air, clear rivers and lakes, exotic animals - all this will give a lot of vivid impressions.
In Vietnam, a similar statue is placed with arms outstretched at a height of 32 meters.
In Indonesia, just a few years ago, the construction of the 30-meter Christ monument was completed, and this despite the fact that the country is Muslim.
For an incomplete 100 years of serious shocks the statuenot worried. Storms and hurricanes, crushing everything in their path, did not hurt her, like the lightning that often hit her. Someone refers it to the properties of a soapstone, others see this as a sacral value. In one of the strong thunderstorms, the lightning struck two fingers from the hand of Christ. The church stores a reserve of stone, from which the monument is made, and in the near future the reconstruction of this most valuable historical object is expected.
Cultural heritage is a reflection ofwho created his people. The statue of Christ the Savior is an eloquent proof of the greatness of Brazil: a magnificent work of art is located in the most beautiful city in the world.
