Regardless of the day or purpose of the trip, the Christ the Redeemer always welcomes us with open arms Rio de Janeirolike a guardian looking at the natural beauties of the Wonderful City at the top of Corcovado Hill. Imposing, the structure of reinforced concrete and soapstone from 1931 is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and receives thousands of visitors annually.
A symbol of Christianity in Brazil, reaching your feet by train through the Atlantic Forest is a pleasant walk and even older than the Art Deco statue itself – the line was inaugurated by Emperor Dom Pedro II in October 1884.
Of immeasurable cultural impact, there are many curiosities that surround its existence, but one in particular messes with the minds of many people, including mine: what is it like to climb into the interior of Christ?
If facing him is already exciting and impactful, his literal and symbolic grandeur is even greater when we are on top of his majestic arms, next to his head and glimpsing all the splendor of Guanabara Bay as the wind blows in our face. .
Preparations for ascent
Thirty meters high, not counting the eight meters of the pedestal, and arms 28 meters wide, the Christ has a internal structure with about ten floors. But accessing it is a privilege for few: the release depends on the Archdiocesewhich analyzes each request on a case-by-case basis, since, in fact, the Christ is considered an open-air sanctuary – a Catholic chapel devoted to Nossa Senhora Aparecida is also at the base of the monument, where Catholic celebrations take place.
Therefore, entering the Cristo is not an official tourist service and it is only possible when a scaffold is erected to repair the structure, as happened on the day I carried out the adventure.
On this day, I woke up very early, even before sunrise and, together with the recording team of the CNN Travel & Gastronomy, I went to the feet of the Christ on Corcovado, 710 meters high. At the top, it is stunning to see the first rays of the sun trying to escape between the clouds and kissing the waters of the Atlantic.
Close to the time of ascent, we put on mandatory protective helmets for entry and head to the scaffold, whose steps lead us to the internal structure. There are 38 meters in total to reach the apex of the monument, where some floors are lower than others. But I advance: climbing the internal steps of Christ is not comparable to anything in the world. It’s something that definitely moves us.
In general, the internal structure is not claustrophobic, except when we are close to the exit on the right arm: we have to crouch and drag inside the small space until we get close to the cavity that leads out. It was at this moment that I became extremely excited, with a happiness that took over my body. With my heart racing, I managed an easy smile waiting for one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
Emotion in the arms of Christ
When the time came, I poked my head out of the cavity of the monument’s right arm and was faced with the dazzling view that Christ himself has. Being able to see the same field of vision that this wonder has for all of Rio de Janeiro is a unique opportunity in life. From there, almost all the postcards are present, from the beaches, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Pão de Açúcar, Maracanã and Maciço da Tijuca.
At the same time, turning around and seeing the head of the Christ right next to me is magnificent: it’s an unparalleled feeling of protection. Thus, the excitement mixes with the emotion, and the result is tears that flow serenely in a tone of gratitude. It’s indescribable.
Being up there, almost 800 meters high next to one of the most symbolic buildings in the world, is like being closer to an energy, a force that cannot be described. In addition to being an iconic and tourist place, being at Christ the Redeemer is touching the spiritual field in a captivating way.
On the way back, we are faced again with a detail that is right in the center of the body of Christ: his heart. Situated approximately on the eighth floor, it is the only part of the structure made entirely of soapstone inside and out. Outwardly, the heart, which represents devotion to the sacred heart of Jesus, already attracts the attention of visitors, but it is inside that the magic happens when you see it up close and have the opportunity to touch it.
Once again at the feet of the work of art, looking up and realizing its grandeur is overwhelming. Representing love and hope, her open arms welcome us again, even when it’s time to say goodbye.
Source: CNN Brasil
