Christ the Redeemer

I stand on top of a very tall mountain, high in the sky. I can see a big, bright city below me, full of little houses and busy cars. I see the big blue ocean sparkle in the sun. My arms are stretched out wide, like I am giving the whole world a great big hug. I love feeling the warm sun on my face and the cool clouds as they float by me. I am a friend to the birds that fly around my head. I am Christ the Redeemer.

I was built to be a sign of peace for everyone. A kind man named Heitor da Silva Costa had the big idea to build me. Another man named Paul Landowski made my face and my hands, but he made them far, far away in a place called France. My pieces traveled across the big ocean on a boat. Then, a special little train carried all my parts up, up, up my tall mountain. A long time ago, in the year 1922, people started to build me, stone by stone. It was like putting together a giant puzzle. It took a long time, but they finished me in 1931. Now I am strong and tall.

Every day, people from all over the world come to see me. They smile when they look up at my open arms. I feel so happy watching over the city and all the people. I love being a friend to everyone who visits. My arms are always open, day and night, to welcome you. I am here to remind everyone to be kind and peaceful. My big hug is for you and for the whole world, forever and always.