The iconic and imposing “Christ the Redeemer” in Rio de Janeiro has fulfilled its vertical coincidence: an even taller statue of Jesus that is about to complete half an hour west in southern Brazil.
Measuring 140 feet tall, the new statue of Jesus that now rises above the city of Encantado – called “Christ the Protector” – is 15 feet taller than its coastal partner.
The new statue has been under construction since 2019, but the head and outstretched arms were added this week, according to France24.com. It is scheduled to end this year.
With a 118-foot arm, the new “Protector” also enjoys a significant range advantage. The arm length of the “Redeemer” is only 92 feet.
The $ 320,000 tag price is raised through donations.
“It’s a day of celebration, of devotion,” local politician Gilson Conzatti told French news agency AFP after the arms and head of the new statue were joined.
The oldest statue, which was completed in 1931, was closed to tourists last March for reasons of social distancing.