The image of Christ the King (Cristo Rei) near Lisbon is of similar dimensions to the image of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
The sculpture of Christ the King (Cristo Rei) in Portugal was consecrated on this day in 1959. It is around 110 meters tall and resembles the famous image of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) in Rio de Janeiro. The statue itself is almost the same size – Christ the King is 28 meters tall, while Christ the Redeemer is 30 meters. The Brazilian statue is, however, located on a hill, while the Portuguese stands on top of a pedestal.
The statue of Christ the King is located near the Portuguese capital of Lisabon, at a strategically important position near the mouth of the River Tejo, the longest river of the Iberian Peninsula (over 1000 km). The sculpture is located on the southern bank of the river, opposite the historical city center of Lisbon. The statue was built as an expression of thanks to God for Portugal’s lack of direct participation in World War II.
