It stands on the peak of Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From the statue's base, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
The statue itself stands 130 feet (39.6 m) tall and its pedestal is 31 feet (9.5 m) tall. The statue weighs 635 tons.
The construction of the world famous statue took nine years, from 1922 to 1931.
The cost, $250,000, was raised from donations.
In 2006, the site was declared a religious sanctuary by Pope Benedict XVI. At the base of the statue, there is a chapel, where weddings and baptisms are held. It holds 150 people.
On July 7, 2007, the statue was named one of the New Wonders of the World, chosen by over 100 million votes via Internet and telephone. The contest was run by New Open World Foundation.
At night, spotlights light up the statue and make it glow, giving an illusion that the statue is levitating above the mountain.
