Brazil: Historic Sister City Agreement Between the Colosseum and Christ the Redeemer in Rio

(ANSA) - RIO DE JANEIRO, 17 OTT - The Colosseum and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro are strengthening their bond and the collaboration between Italy and Brazil with the signing of the twinning agreement between the two monuments, which was initiated in Rome last May and ratified in Rio de Janeiro as part of the celebrations marking the 95th anniversary of the statue on Corcovado. The event took place at the Paineiras Visitor Center, within the “Christ the Redeemer – Toward 100 Years” exhibition, and concluded with a ceremony to illuminate the monument in the colors of the Italian flag. “It is deeply moving to attend such an important ceremony. This is not a one-off event, but the foundation for many future initiatives. I am certain of this,” said the Consul General of Italy in Rio, Minister Plenipotentiary Andreas Ferrarese, highlighting the presence of the high-level Italian delegation led by Dr. Alfonsina Russo, Head of the Department for the Promotion of Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture. “I was impressed because there are so many projects and ideas, and I know that all our friends here will be allies of Italy in promoting culture and initiatives in both directions. I see many opportunities for collaboration in Rio de Janeiro,” the diplomat stated.
 
 The agreement provides for cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and experience in the fields of education, culture, tourism, sports, and the economy. Planned initiatives include conferences, workshops, reciprocal visit programs, and joint activities to promote the two monuments and increase their international visibility. 
 
 “Today we are formalizing the twinning of two of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which, with their aura, attract millions of visitors every year from all over the globe—extraordinary monuments, each in its own way imbued with profound meaning and a supreme testament to human achievement,” said Simone Quilici, Director General of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. “The ruins of the Flavian Amphitheater are a powerful universal symbol, known and recognized everywhere, just like the statue atop Corcovado Mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Through this twinning, they symbolically retrace a bond that has existed between Italy and Brazil since its inauguration, when the signal to illuminate the statue was transmitted from the Coltano radio station at the behest of Guglielmo Marconi.” 
 The day traditionally dedicated to Italy—enriched this year by the signing of the twinning agreement—commemorates the Italian scientist’s contribution to the illumination of the Christ the Redeemer statue, which was inaugurated on October 12, 1931. At the end of the ceremony, Quilici activated the statue’s lighting display featuring the Italian tricolor, at the invitation of the sanctuary’s rector, Father Omar.
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