7 Christian Landmarks from Around the World

These achievements of engineering and architecture throughout the world show Christian history and devotion everywhere.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The statue of Jesus that towers so high over Brazil’s greatest port city was the brainchild of a Jesuit priest in the 1850s. Rejected by the princess of the Braziliam Empire, and undermined by the establishment of the Brazilian Republic and its separation of church and state, the monument wasn’t opened until 1931. Now a symbol of Rio and Brazil in general, restoration of the statue has been conducted in public-private partnerships between the church, the local government and major businesses.

Crystal Cathedral, Orange County, California

As much a landmark as a church building, the glass-sided, steel-framed Crystal Cathedral reflects the southern California sun even as it houses the services of Crystal Cathedral Ministries and one of the world’s largest single musical instruments, the Hazel Wright memorial organ. Sold in 2012 to the Catholic Diocese of Orange County, the name Crystal Cathedral will soon be fitting, as it will serve as the seat of a bishop.

Subscribe to Faith HUB