Recently updated on July 26th, 2022 at 11:34 am
Watch out Rio, the southern Brazilian city of Encantado is building its own Christ the Redeemer statue that – once finished – will be taller than its neighbour.
Work began in 2019 and the idea originally came from local politician Adroaldo Conzatti, who sadly died in March with Covid-19.
The head and outstretched arms finally added in April and the mega-sized Christ the Redeemer statue is on track to be completed later this year.
Here’s why Encantado’s statue – to be known as Christ the Protector – will be more impressive than the famous Christ the Redeemer in Rio.
1. Encantado’s Christ will be taller
Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is iconic. Towering over the city from high up on Corcovado Mountain, the 38-metre high statue is an absolute must-see when exploring the Brazilian city.
But in the southern Rio Grande do Sul region there’s a small city building one bigger. Yep, Christ the Protector in Encantado will be 43m (140 ft) high, including its pedestal. That makes it the world’s third tallest Jesus statue.
The only taller Jesus statues are Indonesia’s Jesus Buntu Burake statue in Sulawesi at 52.55m, including its pedestal, and Poland’s Christ the King in Swiebodzin at 52.5m high, including its mound.
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2. Encantado’s Christ the Redeemer will have an elevator
Visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio is worth it just to see the breathtaking views from the mountaintop. But wouldn’t it be cool if you could travel up inside the Christ statue?
The Encantado Christ the Redeemer will have an internal lift taking you right up to his heart. A built-in elevator will take tourists up to a glass opening and viewpoint in the chest area, at around 40 metres high. From here, visitors will be able to experience unbeatable views of the lush green surrounding countryside of the cooler state.
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3. You can expect smaller crowds
Everyone has heard of Rio, and everyone who goes to Rio visits Christ the Redeemer. And why wouldn’t you want to visit? Brazil is one of the most magical countries to explore. From the Amazon rainforest in the north, to dancing on the streets of Rio to the wine region in the south.
But Rio de Janeiro is a big city. Like, home to 6.7 million people big. If you prefer smaller crowds, the Encantado Christ the Redeemer – or Cristo Protetor – might be more of your sort of place.
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4. The statue is crowdfunded
That’s right, this is a project of passion for the local community. No public money has gone towards the building of the giant iron and concrete Christ. Instead the Association of the Friends of Christ group has been – and continues to – raise donations from individuals and companies to cover the $350,000 (£255,000) project cost.
The hope is that the statue will bring more visitors to the area and support a growing local tourism industry.
5. You will eat and drink really well down south
Well known for its southern hospitality, Encantado is in one of Brazil’s most southern states. The Rio Grande do Sul region is famous for all-you-can-eat barbecue restaurants, known as rodizios. Locals claim that no other state does it better.Â
Most of Brazil is unsuitable for growing grapes but down south the cooler climate makes winemaking possible. That means you can pair a visit to the statue with bottomless grilled meats and a glass of local vinho. Saude to that!
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Would you visit the Encantado Christ the Redeemer statue or do you prefer the original in Rio? Let us know in the comments…