Christ The Protector: Brazil's Newest And Tallest Statue Of Jesus

A breathtaking new statue of Jesus even bigger than Rio de Janeiro's iconic Christ the Redeemer has been completed in Brazil. Named 'Christ the Protector,' this magnificent structure stands tall in Encantado, located in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul. Completed on April 22, 2022, the statue has quickly become a symbol of hope and faith for many.

Measuring an impressive 43 meters (141 feet) high, including its pedestal, Christ the Protector is five meters taller than the renowned Christ the Redeemer statue. However, despite its grandeur, it ranks as the world's third-tallest statue of Christ, following Jesus Buntu Burake in Indonesia and Christ the King in Poland. This positioning highlights the global significance of such monumental works.

Markus Moura, the talented artist from Ceara State, sculpted this remarkable statue, pouring his heart and soul into the project. He expressed his feelings during the unveiling, stating, "I got very emotional. It's a feeling I can't quite explain." The execution of this statue, which began in 2019, was primarily funded by local businesses, showcasing the community's commitment to this awe-inspiring project.

Sadly, this dream began with the vision of the late local mayor Adroaldo Conzatti, who passed away due to COVID-19 in March 2021. His legacy lives on through this statue, which is set to be inaugurated later this year as the surrounding complex nears completion. After nearly three years of hard work, Moura feels both exhausted and fulfilled, remarking on the emotional journey it has been to complete the statue.

Markus expressed his joy, saying, "Everything is good, everything is wonderful." The site has already attracted over 50,000 visitors, including tourists from 21 different countries. The construction of this statue is part of a larger tourist complex, which aims to enhance the visitor experience with shops, restaurants, and viewing points once fully completed.

Robison Gonzatti, Deputy President of the Friends of Christ Association, shared the project's ethos, emphasizing faith, devotion, and gratitude. He noted that during the pandemic, this statue has come to symbolize hope for many, adding to their faith. Currently, the statue is open for visitation on weekends and holidays, allowing tourists to experience the artistic magnificence up close.

For visitors, the experience includes guided tours of the construction area, where they can view the completed artistic work. However, internal access is limited at this stage, as the final park’s opening is still to be announced. The Christ the Protector statue promises to be the central attraction of this inspiring complex, drawing visitors from near and far.