christ the redeemer, or cristo redentor, is by far the most recognized of rio de janeiro's landmarks. the christ, overlooks the city from the peak of the corcovado mountain, on the edge of the tijuca forest.  

standing at 30 meters tall, from head to toe, the statue is a commanding presence and an iconic fixture of the city's landscape.  the statue is an imposing symbol of christianity, and thousands of devout followers journey from all over the world to witness the phenomenon each year.  in 2007 the statue was officially recognized as one of the seven modern wonders of the world.