Unveiling the Gigantic New Jesus Statue in Encantado, Brazil
Six years after construction started, the Cristo Protetor de Encantado statue is almost complete according to recent drone footage.
The massive statue made from steel and concrete towers at an impressive height of 43 meters (141 feet) and overtakes the Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro in terms of height, making it the third tallest Jesus statue in the world. The Friends of Christ Association (AACristo), responsible for the project, revealed this information in a statement on their official website.
Designers Genésio Gomes Moura and his son Markus Moura crafted the statue, which boasts intricate details such as life-like hair and facial features. The artistic character of the structure is reminiscent of the Art Deco style found in Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer.

The statue, in its completion, will house an internal elevator that will transport visitors to an observation deck, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The elevator will provide a unique experience to visitors, as they can relish the breathtaking view from the heart of Christ. As per Artur Lopes de Souza, project leader, it will also feature a glass opening for people to film and capture the valley below.
The estimated cost of the project is around $353,000. AACristo is soliciting donations to complete the construction, although its completion date has not been announced yet. Currently, visitors can appreciate the statue from a distance, with visits being permitted on Saturdays and Sundays.
Locals hope that the new statue will attract more tourists to Encantado and its neighboring areas, which are close to the borders of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. The Christ the Redeemer, which has been a famous tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro for almost nine decades, also showcases the religious devotion that is deeply rooted in Brazil's population.
A previous version of this story incorrectly referred to the statue as "Christ the Redeemer" in Rio de Janeiro.
Despite the unprecedented attraction of the new statue, some individuals remain curious about visiting unique destinations. If this is something you find appealing, be sure to plan a trip and uncover the diverse cultures and landscapes that await you. (travel)
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