A well-known mountain in the whole world, located inthe line of Rio de Janeiro, because of its bizarre shape in the Middle Ages, was named Corcovado, which translates as "hunchback". Her popularity increased after she became a pedestal for the giant sculpture of Jesus, considered one of the seven world wonders of the world.
Mount Corcovado is a local landmark, visible from any point of the city, from which a wonderful panorama of the colorful Rio de Janeiro opens.
A huge peak 704 meters high is inthe largest park in the world - Tizhuka. This is a wonderful place for family holidays for all locals and tourists. And above this mountain magnificence towers a majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Brazil regards it as its symbol of faith, because the arms outstretched seem to embrace and protect the former capital of the country and its inhabitants.
The history of the installation of the monument to Jesus Christ is very interesting and deserves a detailed account.
In 1922, at the celebration of the centenaryindependence of Brazil, the local authorities decided to erect a giant Columbus monument in Rio de Janeiro. However, residents felt that it would be more symbolic to install a statue of Jesus.
After the popular vote, it was acceptedthe final decision on the erection of the sculpture of Christ the Redeemer. Considered several mountain ranges, but eventually won the mountain Corcovado as the highest city point. At the same time, the foundation stone laid the first stone of the future grandiose monument.
A year later, the project won the competition,who liked everything. The local artist portrayed Jesus with open arms, and from afar his figure resembled a huge cross. Initially it was planned that the base of the sculpture would be a pedestal in the form of a globe, but later this idea was abandoned.
After the approval of the project, the Braziliansthe lack of funds for the implementation of the monument. The collection of donations was announced, and soon the money of more than two million reais was aimed at making the Christ Redeemer statue as soon as possible.
Brazil as an agrarian country has experienced greatdifficulties. There were no highly skilled craftsmen who could have cast a huge statue, so all the details were ordered in France. Local sculptors and engineers worked on the creation of a skeleton protecting the statue.
In 1924 the firstdetails, and on the mountain installed a seven-meter pedestal. Brazilian builders were greatly helped by the oldest railway that operated by that time, by which all parts of the statue and the necessary materials were transported upstairs.
The 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. Till now inhabitants recollect, how at a light of day on October, 12th the statue in weight more than thousand tons hid under a covering cloth. Mount Corcovado was crowded with worried people, and many prayed right in the streets of their hometown, hoping for an early opening.
The statue appeared before astonished gazesresidents in total darkness, when night fell on the city. Thousands of people prayed in a single impulse, and when the floodlights on the mountain lit up the almost 40-meter sculpture, it all seemed as if Christ was hovering in the air, embracing humanity.
For many years every evening, when the mountainin Brazil is plunged into darkness, powerful lighting devices are sent to it, and the statue of Jesus appears as a grandiose figure, torn from the Earth. For the contemplation of the stunning action, millions of people come to Rio every year, admitting that they saw nothing more majestic.
In 1973, the statue of Christ was listed in the national symbols of the country.
Mount Corcovado (South America), to which domchitfor 20 minutes the train, designed for a steep uphill climb, is waiting for its visitors daily. And to climb to the top, you need to overcome the ladder in 223 steps or drive a special elevator.
This route is very fond of the extremals comingfrom around the globe to Mount Corcovado. Rio de Janeiro is rightfully considered the center of rock climbing in Brazil, and the neighborhood of the park Tizhuka - a favorite place not only for hiking tourists.
The conquest of the height of the national landmark is a very interesting climb, requiring good equipment and sufficient physical training.
Climbers climb a distance of 710 meters along specially laid routes.
Each year, pilgrims from theall over the world, to admire the grandeur and beauty of the symbol of the liberation and revival of the country. Surprisingly, but for so many years, the statue has not caused any major damage.
Even the storm that raged in 2008,remembered by the destructive actions in the country, did not damage the gigantic monument. And the lightning that hit the statue of Christ left no trace. Scientists associate this with the properties of the material from which the sculpture is made, and the Catholics give a surprising fact to the sacred meaning.
Mount Corcovado, which is the mostphotographed landmark of the country, - the business card of Rio de Janeiro and the center of tourist pilgrimage. The symbol of faith, kindness and love attracts millions of tourists coming from the farthest corners of our land only to worship Jesus and let God into our hearts.
