Christ the Redeemer In Seven Wonders of the World 2007,Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 On July 7, 2007, in Lisbon, Christ the Redeemer was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a list compiled by the Swiss-based The New Open World Corporation. Leading corporate sponsors, including Banco Bradesco and Rede Globo, had lobbied to have the statue voted into the top seven.

It’s hard to find a more iconic silhouette than  Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor). Perched atop the 700-meter Corcovado Mountain, it’s not just a statue; it’s a global symbol of Rio de Janeiro and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Here is a quick breakdown of what makes this Art Deco giant so fascinating:

- The Design & Construction

While many assume it was a gift from France (like the Statue of Liberty), it was actually funded by the Catholic community in Brazil.

Style: It is the largest Art Deco statue in the world.

Materials: Built with reinforced concrete and covered in thousands of triangular soapstone tiles. Soapstone was chosen for its resistance to extreme weather and its "ethereal" glow in moonlight.

Engineering: To withstand high winds and lightning, the statue was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French artist Paul Landowski.

-By the Numbers

-Height: 30 meters (98 ft) + 8-meter pedestal

-Arm Span: 28 meters (92 ft)

-Weight: 635 metric tons

-Completion Year: 1931

- Fun Facts

Lightning Magnet: Because of its height and location, it gets struck by lightning several times a year. In 2014, a massive storm actually chipped the statue's thumb!

A Different Look:** Original sketches showed Christ holding a globe in one hand and a cross in the other, but the "open arms" design was eventually chosen to represent peace and a welcoming embrace.

The View: From the base, you get a 360-degree view of Rio, including Maracanã Stadium, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Copacabana Beach.

-Pro Tip:If you ever visit, try to go early in the morning on a clear day. When the clouds roll in, the "Redeemer" can completely disappear into the mist in a matter of seconds!

Christ the Redeemer In Seven Wonders of the World 2007,Rio de Janeiro, Brazil