VOA常速英语:Christ the Redeemer Statue：a Hit for Rio Visitors(翻译)

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The Art Deco statue, made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, has overlooked Rio now for 85 years.

"I know for everyday, it’s meeting of 3000,4000 each day in high season. In low season, it’s 2000 and a half."

Christ the Redeemer is located about 20 minutes from Rio’s popular Copacabana beach. A popular way to reach the top is by tram, which costs about $21. Once there, the experience is priceless, says Jacqueline de Melo,who is the daughter of the owners of the management company which oversees the site.

"Because we can see, the whole city 360 degrees and now since 2007, it was the 7th wonder of the world. So everybody wants to come here to see."

The tram going to the top is older than the monument itself. The first one went into service in 1884.It negotiates 700 vertical meters to the peak of Corcovado Mountain, where the gigantic statue is perched.

The tram ride is an adventure itself.Upon arrival, you have to climb several flights of steps then finally the imposing architectural work appears.

"It’s very beautiful. It is one of the wonders of the world. It is very nice."

"It’s so pretty and there is like a lot of things to visit, and like the view is really pretty."

Christ the Redeemer is 30 meters high, not including its eight-meter pedestal. Its arms stretch 28 meters across.At the top, you can see virtually all of Rio de Janeiro, the famed Maracana Stadium, Ipanema beach, and downtown.But it’s the majesty of the sculpture, designed by Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski, that enthralls visitors.

"The truth is, it is a beauty, it’s impressive. We were very anxious to see it, and we are very grateful to be here."

And of course, no one leaves the iconic place without taking with them the proof that they were there.