It was designed by César and Wálter Terrazas Pardo, and was modeled after the statue Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.

Upon its completion, it became the largest statue of Jesus Christ in the world, surpassing the one it was modeled after.

1,399 stairs lead to a viewing area inside the arms of the statue, but visitors are only permitted to make the ascent on Sundays.

However, an extra 44 centimetres (17 in) was added as "well-coiffed" hair atop Christ's head, making it taller than its brother in Rio de Janeiro.

Locals from Cochabamba say the discrepancy accounts for Christ living "a little past" his 33rd year.