Brazilian church leaders have marked the 75th birthday of one of the world's best known landmarks - Rio de Janeiro's statue of Christ the Redeemer.

The site has been formally declared a Catholic sanctuary, which means that in future it can host religious ceremonies such as weddings and baptisms.

The statue's serene gaze over the city gives little hint of the Herculean effort that went into its construction.

Over 1,000 tons of materials had to be moved up the 700m high Corcovado hill.