As the Rio Olympics starts, here are the best pictures of Christ The Redeemer

It is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, towering over one the of the great cities - which this month hosts the Olympics. The statue of Christ the Redeemer is a destination for pilgrims and tourists alike when in Rio De Janeiro. This week, sports stars have flocked to the feet of one of the best-known depictions of Jesus. Meanwhile, the Olympic torch was carried past, and greeted by the Archbishop of Rio.

The statue was finished in 1931 and was announced as one of the seven wonders of the modern world in 2007 along with Petra in Jordan, The Colosseum in Rome and the Taj Mahal in India. Although there are other similar statues across the world, none are as famous and iconic as Christ the Redeemer.

During the football World Cup, hosted by Brazil two years ago, the statue was a prominent part of the TV coverage and we can expect to see more footage during the Olympics and Paralympics.

Here we look at some of the most stunning photographs of this beautiful monument.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Government under fire for incentivising more 'lunch hour' abortions
Government under fire for incentivising more 'lunch hour' abortions

Sir Edward Leigh said it seems as if "abortion providers now writing government abortion policy".

Street pastor case is a 'shocking' attack on freedom of religion and speech
Street pastor case is a 'shocking' attack on freedom of religion and speech

The Christian Institute, which is supporting the pastor, accused the police and Public Prosecution Service of "overstepping the mark".

Christian man prosecuted over ex-gay testimony urges Europe's Christians to take a bold stand for truth
Christian man prosecuted over ex-gay testimony urges Europe's Christians to take a bold stand for truth

A Christian man in Malta who was repeatedly dragged into court over three years for giving his testimony about leaving the homosexual lifestyle urged his fellow Christians to stand boldly for Jesus Christ amid rising cultural hostility.

Artemis II astronaut who isn't religious cried seeing the cross after Moon mission
Artemis II astronaut who isn't religious cried seeing the cross after Moon mission

NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman said that although he is not a religious man, he “broke down in tears” after returning from the mission and felt such intense emotion that he asked to speak with a Navy chaplain.