A new figure now towers over Brazil. In the city of Encantado, located in Rio Grande do Sul, a statue called Christ the Protector stands taller than the famous Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
For over 90 years, Rio de Janeiro held the tallest Christ statue in Brazil. That changed the moment Encantado completed its project.
Encantado Builds Higher
Encantado sits in the Taquari Valley, a region that faced destructive floods. The city decided to focus on rebuilding with purpose.
A nonprofit group named Friends of Christ of Encantado led the project. Residents helped fund it through tickets, donations, and guided visits. The statue now stands as a symbol of faith, recovery, and pride.
Construction began in 2019. By 2021, visitors started arriving. The full complex opened in April 2025. It includes a glass chapel in the forest, a panoramic viewpoint, a fountain, food stalls, and gift shops.
The area received no public money for the monument itself. State and municipal support helped only with the road leading to the site.
Christ Statue Height Comparison
| Feature | Christ the Redeemer (Rio) | Christ the Protector (Encantado) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Height | 38 meters | 43.5 meters |
| Arm Span | 28 meters | 39 meters |
| Location | Rio de Janeiro | Encantado, Rio Grande do Sul |
| Year Completed | 1931 | 2025 (official full opening) |
| Material | Soapstone | Steel and concrete |
| Visitor Access | Corcovado Mountain | Viewpoint, chapel, forest area |
Christ the Protector is 5.5 meters taller. It also holds a unique design featureโa glass heart located at chest level.
Visitors cannot enter the heart yet, but it remains one of the most talked-about elements.
Global Attention and Local Pride
Since 2021, over 322 thousand people have visited the Encantado statue. They came from over 60 countries. The number is more than 14 times the city population. Local hotels, restaurants, and shops all gained new life.
The land used for the project was donated. Local officials then approved its use for the statue and surrounding complex.
The project cost reached 25 million reais. The success did not depend on government grants. Every step reflected local effort.
Meaning Behind the Monument
Encantado did not build higher just to break records. The goal focused on drawing people to the valley, honoring faith, and lifting the community. The statue reflects strength and devotion.
A hand fragment of the statue was taken to the Vatican and blessed by Pope Francis. The chapel now holds that piece as a sacred relic. The area offers space for quiet reflection and scenic walks.
The statue also carries a deeper message. It shows how a small city can stand tall after tragedy. It proves that vision and community matter.
Visitor Guide: What You Need to Know
- Open: Tuesday to Sunday
- Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
- Entry Fee:
- Adults: R$ 30
- Seniors (60+): R$ 15
- Children (under 12): Free
- Teens (13+): Adult price
The Christ the Redeemer in Rio remains a global icon. Its position in history does not change.
But now, Brazil holds two towering symbols of faith. One watches over a city by the sea. The other stands in a valley where the people chose to rise.
