The city of Rio de Janeiro experienced a remarkable event on February 10th, when lightning struck the iconic Christ the Redeemer monument, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Fernando Braga, a photographer who had long sought to capture such an image, was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time, and was able to capture the moment in a stunning photograph.
“Unstoppable. Never give up. Many frustrated attempts to capture lightning falling on Christ. Many rains and days passed. I was close a few times, but I had never captured this on Christ. It’s the place that I love to photograph! I already have a very special photo for me that was of the blessed moon, and now I have the divine lightning!”
The Christ the Redeemer statue is a significant landmark that holds cultural and religious importance in Brazil. It was dedicated on October 12th, 1931, on the feast of Our Lady Aparecida, the patroness of Brazil. Made of reinforced concrete and lined with soapstone, the statue is 125 feet tall and stands on a 26-foot pedestal. Its outstretched arms are 92 feet wide, making it an impressive sight to behold.
In 2007, the Christ the Redeemer statue was chosen as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The statue’s recognition as a wonder of the world is a testament to its enduring significance and the wonder that it inspires. The shrine there is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike, and offers a stunning view of the city from its mountaintop location.
Want to learn more? Read: Do You Know the Secret Inside the Famous Christ the Redeemer Statue?
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