The numbered head and hand parts and all the materials required for building the Christ statue such as water, timber, stone, sand, cement, steel, and iron were carried to the Corcovado summit by cog train, since at the time there was no road to the top (built later in 1936).
The Corcovado Railway was also used to carry up and down the staff that participated in the Christ statue construction work. Over 1,000 tons of materials were carried up to the top of Corcovado.
How many workers were involved in the construction and in what conditions?
Over 1,000 workers worked at 710 metres (2,328 feet) above sea level in precarious conditions without helmets, harnesses, or belts. Photos of the time show workers balancing on scaffolding up to 40 metres (131 feet) above Corcovado summit. There was no road and no nearby water for drinking or for mixing cement – water was carried from a spring 300 metres (327 yards) away. Nonetheless, all the concrete was prepared on the spot. Many workers slept up there in improvised shacks.
How many workers died during the construction?
Fortunately, no one died or suffered serious injury during the construction of Christ statue. This is considered a miracle. It was said that the Christ statue and the Corcovado Railway were blessed.
Learn other interesting curiosities about the statue in Christ the Redeemer Statue – A Comprehensive Guidebook to Visiting the Rio de Janeiro Landmark atop Corcovado Mountain.
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When was the Corcovado cog railway built?
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