the earliest idea for a grand catholic monument in the city can be traced back to 1859, at the court of  princess isabel - however, it wasn't until after the first world war that a statue of christ was re-proposed by a religious group that saw the world in need of more spirituality, and saw the statue as the perfect genesis for this movement. 

in 1921, closely correlating with the centenary celebrations of brazilian independence from portugal, the idea was finally welcomed by the state and,  although supported by the brazilian government, the statue was a gift from the catholic church, who supplied much of the funds for its construction.

events are held on site and across rio de janeiro -  this breathtaking sculpture was inaugurated in 1931, declared a sanctuary in 2006, and was established as on of the world's seven modern wonders in 2007.