Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Corcovado
The iconic statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) watches over
Rio de Janeiro from atop the 2,316-ft (706-m) high Corcovado, a mountain
that derives its name from the Portuguese word
corcova
(hunchback), which
reflects its shape. The winning design in a competition for a grand monument
to represent the spirit of Rio de Janeiro, it was inaugurated in 1931 and has,
in its short lifetime, come to symbolize Brazil. The journey to Christ's feet -
through the charming streets of Cosme Velho neighborhood and the beautiful
tropical Parque Nacional da Tijuca
(see pp10-11)
, or up the mountainside on
the little funicular - is as rewarding as the panorama from the summit.
Top 10 Features
1 Cristo Redentor
2 The Chapel at the Base
of the Statue
3 Art Deco Features
4 The Forest Setting
5 Refreshments
6 Sunsets and Sunrises
7 Lookout Points
8 Helicopter Tours
9 The Trem do Corcovado
0 The Trem do
Corcovado Museum
Cafés near the statue
Do not walk back
from Corcovado after
dark. Muggings are
common on the park
road and the street
lighting is poor.
Drinks are expensive
in the cafés so bring
plenty of water.
!
Cristo Redentor
Embracing the city with
open arms, the magnificent
98-ft (30-m) tall statue of
Jesus Christ
(center)
was
designed by Brazilian Heitor
da Silva Costa, and draws
inspiration from Leonardo
Da Vinci's famous study
of the human body. The
structure was hauled up
the mountain in pieces and
took years to assemble.
• Map M1
• Rua Cosme Velho
513, Corcovado
• (021) 2558 1329
• Open 8:30am-
6:30pm daily
• Funicular railway
(Trem do Corcovado):
US$22; organized
tour: US$8; or taxi;
you cannot drive your
own vehicle up to
Corcovado
• Arrange organized
tours through Bel
Tour: (021) 2597
2099
• www.corcovado.
com.br
@
The Chapel at the
Base of the Statue
Underneath the figure,
facing away from the sea,
this small chapel is a haven
of peace amid the tourist
crowds. Mass is held here
on Sunday mornings.
#
Art Deco Features
The figure was carved
from blocks of soapstone
(left)
by French Art Deco
sculptor Paul Landowski,
who was also responsible
for the monumental
Art Deco statue of
St. Geneviève in Paris.
8
