The Corcovado or Hunchback mountain, so named because of its shape, is home to probably the most memorable and identifying image of Rio - that of the Cristo Redentor (Christ The Redeemer) statue. Arms boldly stretched in welcome, he embraces the city and the magnificent Bay over which he looks. Only in 1921, when Brazil marked its independence, did someone think of creating the monument that has become so well known throughout the world. In 1931, the statue was inaugurated and it is now an immensely popular visitor attraction and one of the city's main scenic spots, standing as it does on top of the 710m-high (2330ft) mountain. Paul Landowski, the French sculpture, was responsible for the statue that is 30m (99ft) high and has an eight-metre (26ft) pedestal with a chapel capable of holding 150 people.

Rio de Janeiro's Corcovado Mountain is hard to miss when you visit Rio de Janeiro. If you do miss out on visiting the Rio de Janeiro hotels