1.5K 
One of the most prolific images of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro was Christ the Redeemer, an Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ that was the subject of many swooping helicopter shots. During the 17-day sports spectacle, the 38-metre-tall monument symbolized international peace and unity, while also serving the practical purpose of providing panoramic views of Brazil's second most populous city. Created by French sculptor Paul Landowski, and constructed by Heitor da Silva Costa and Albert Caquot between 1922 and 1931, the reinforced concrete and soapstone structure elegantly stands atop the 700-metre Corcovado mountain in Tijuca Forest National Park.
The idea of erecting a landmark monument on the mountain gained traction in 1920 when the Catholic Circle of Rio organized Semana do Monumento (Monument Week), an event to collect donations and signatures in support of the project. Erupting from a perceived 'Godlessness' in society, initial designs included a simple Christian cross, while more elaborate proposals called for a statue of Jesus holding a globe in his hands. In the end, elements from both of these concepts were incorporated into the final design, which depicted a statue with outstretched arms.
The statue is accessible via roadway, walking trail, and the Corcovado Rack Railway. From the drop-off point, 223 steps lead to the observation deck, which is positioned at the statue's pedestal. The elevation of Corcovado, which translates to "hunchback" in Portuguese, naturally produces some of the best scenes of Rio's diverse topography. The height also means the views are often obstructed by clouds, but on clear days, numerous Rio landmarks can be spotted.
Directly to the east is the 396-metre Sugarloaf Mountain, which is accessed by a dramatic cable car journey. The granite and quartz mountain rises straight from the water's edge on a peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean. This stunning natural setting is contrasted with the concrete jungle of Rio's built landscape. The upper middle class beachfront neighbourhood of Botafogo is visible in the photos above and below, while the municipalities of Niterói and São Gonçalo lie across Guanabara Bay. The sixth most populous city in the state, Niterói is frequently cited as one of the wealthiest cities in Brazil. The second biggest city in the state, São Gonçalo is marked by high poverty and rapid population growth. A tale of two cities, the social and economic differences in these areas are indicative of the region's diversity in living conditions.
Panning to the south yields scenes of the tropical and urban blend that are Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. A four-kilometre-long promenade hugs the sandy shores, which recently played host to Olympic beach volleyball. On New Year's Eve, about two million revelers descend on Copacabana to witness one of the world's largest displays of fireworks. The adjacent neighbourhood of Ipanema is noted for its affluent residences that tower above world-class restaurants, shops, and cafes. Often found on lists of the top urban beaches on the planet, Ipanema's beach culture is awash in surfers, sun worshipers, and skateboarders.
The inland of the South Zone area is home to Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, which is connected to the ocean by a narrow canal. Surrounded by the affluent Lagoa neighbourhood, the area has historically hosted numerous sports venues, including the horse racing track seen in the photo above. During the Olympics, canoe sprint and rowing events were held in the waters.
To the northeast is Zona Central, Rio's historical, administrative, and financial centre. The predominantly commercial district has been the target of numerous revitalization initiatives in recent years, and while the area is vibrant during the work week, the weekend ambiance is relatively dull. Nonetheless, numerous places of worship and museums, including the National Museum of Fine Arts, ensure a steady stream of tourists. Just beyond the city centre skyline is President Costa e Silva Bridge, which connects Rio de Janeiro with Niterói. The longest prestressed concrete bridge in the southern hemisphere was also the second longest in the world when it was completed in 1985. The box girder bridge is over 13 kilometres long and carries about 140,000 vehicles every day.
The mountainside topography blocks much of the cityscape, but a recognizable Rio landmark can be distinguished from the peak. The white circular structure denotes Maracanã Stadium, which recently gained recognition for staging the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics. The 78,000-seat venue has long been an icon to football fans; the stadium's primary purpose is to host matches between the city's football clubs. It amassed a reputation in the frenzied football world as soon as the facility opened, when it played host to the 1950 World Cup. Recent renovations have given the storied stadium a fresh look that stays true to the integrity of the original design.
Christ the Redeemer itself has undergone extensive restorations over the years. In 2003, a set of escalators, elevators, and walkways were installed to improve access to the viewing platform. The project was followed up by a four-month renovation of the statue, including its internal structural components. The soapstone structure was washed and any cracks were repaired. Wind, erosion, and lightning strikes mandate periodic refurbishments of the landmark.
Listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the cultural icon acts as a symbol of Christianity, a watchful guardian of the city, and Rio's most recognizable tourist attraction. Rio is a city of social, cultural, economic, and physical diversity. Among the most compelling urban settings in the world, the city is defined both by swaths of raw beauty and pockets of poverty-stricken enclaves. The juxtaposition between luxurious highrise apartments and poor hillside favelas is no more evident than from Christ the Redeemer. The geographic relationship between nature and the city compounds this truth even further. Christ the Redeemer lends visitors a glimpse of this sometimes harsh reality while offering a window into Rio's undeniably breathtaking natural environment.
Want to know about the latest developments shaping Rio? Check out the designated Forum section and get involved in the discussion.
