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Christ the Redeemer (Portuguese: Cristo Redentor) is a large Art Deco-style statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue stands 38 m (125 feet) tall and is located at the peak of the 710-m (2330-foot) Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park, overlooking the city.
As well as being a potent symbol of Christianity, the statue has become an icon of the city, its open arms seen by many as a testament to the warmth of the Brazilian people.
The monument was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, by president Get?lio Vargas in a large, lavish ceremony. One of the highlights of the ceremony would be the lighting system, which was supposed to be switched on by Italian radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi, from his yacht in Naples. Poor weather, however, affected the signal strength and the lighting had to be switched on manually by workers at Corcovado.
In October 2006, on the occasion of the statue's 75th anniversary, Archbishop of Rio Cardinal Eusebio Oscar Scheid consecrated a chapel (named for the patron saint of Brazil - Nossa Senhora Aparecida) under the statue. This allows Catholics to hold baptisms and weddings there.
The statue can be accessed by road or by the Corcovado Rack Railway. Until recently, the statue could only be reached from the train terminal via a large 222-step stairway, a huge hurdle for handicapped or elderly visitors. However, in 2002, the monument went through a large renovation process, when 3 panoramic elevators and 4 escalators were installed.
There is also a somewhat arduous but rewarding hiking trail to the summit from Parque Lage park in the Jardim Bot?nico neighborhood at the foot of the mountain.
The statue is said to have inspired Duke Pearson to write the song "Cristo Redentor," which appeared on Donald Byrd's 1963 jazz album, A New Perspective.
Brazilian Bossa Nova composer Tom Jobim drew inspiration from the statue for his song "Corcovado", and also mentioned it in "Samba do Aviao".
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