When you think of Brazil, one of the things that undoubtedly pops into your head is this statue. The Art Deco statue overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Christ the Redeemer statue atop the Corcovado mountain, is a model of Christ with His arms extended forming the shape of a cross. Some argue that it is Christ extending His arms for a hug.

The monument came to be as a symbol to counteract what followers believed was increasing godlessness in the country.

In 1920, they chose Brazilian architect, Heitor da Silva Costa’s design of a statue of Christ. Initially, the design was that of Christ carrying a large cross on one hand and a globe on the other. He eventually settled for Christ with arms extended noting that He should face the rising sun.

He imagined the statue to be the first thing the residents saw emerge from the darkness at dawn. At dusk, the city dwellers would have a view of the setting sun as a halo behind the statue’s head.

Hug or cross, the Christ the Redeemer statue made it to the Seven Wonders of the World list in 2007.

The statue has endured wind and rain and undergone several restorations. Christ the Redeemer was illuminated to mark the 2010 FIFA World Cup and to commemorate the victims of the November 2015 Paris attacks.