The City of Rio de Janeiro

the city of Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro

The city of Rio de Janeiro was founded in March 1^st, 1565 by Portuguese, after a battle to expel the French, who were trying to found a colony there. The city was officially founded as the city of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, in honor of the young king of Portugal, and chose the saint of the same name as patron. The city of Rio de Janeiro was once the seat of the Brazilian government, between 1763 and 1960. Rio, as it is simply called, is the capital of the State of Rio de Janeiro, a Brazilian state located in the Southeast region of the country, with 6.748 million inhabitants and an HDI of 0.762. Rio attracts tourists from all over the world for its nature and geography, beautiful beaches, carnival, and many other attractions, such as the Sugarloaf Mountain, the Christ the Redeemer, the Museum of Tomorrow, the aquarium, samba, and bars in Lapa neighborhood, among others.

What to see in Rio de Janeiro?

Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car Park Starting from Praia Vermelha, visitors take the first cable car that leads to Morro da Urca, and from there a second cable car takes them to the top of Morro do Pão de Açúcar, which is 396 meters above sea level.

Different stories justify the name of this tourist spot; the most popular one says that during the 16th and 18th centuries, at the height of sugar cane production, producers stored sugar blocks in molds to be exported, and the similarity of the object to the Pão de Açúcar Hill gave rise to the name.

The Pão de Açúcar Cable Car was inaugurated in 1912; it is Brazil’s first cable car and the third in the world, connecting Morro da Urca to Morro do Pão de Açúcar. Since then, more than 40 million people have used the cable cars. From the tops of both hills, there unfolds a breathtaking view of Rio, including Botafogo Cove, Copacabana waterfront, and the entrance to Guanabara Bay.

Cristo Redentor

It is the most iconic monument in Brazil, a symbol of Brazil worldwide, and one of the seven wonders of the world. With a history spanning over 90 years, the Christ the Redeemer statue possesses a rich narrative. This colossal statue of Jesus Christ, with outstretched arms over the Guanabara Bay, not only captures the imagination of millions of visitors annually but also narrates a fascinating tale of perseverance, innovation, and dedication. From its construction to its global recognition, every aspect of Christ the Redeemer conveys the cultural and spiritual richness of the Brazilian people, as well as the incredible human ability to create something so eternal and inspiring. The Christ the Redeemer statue was inaugurated on October 12, 1932.

Facts:

Weighs 1145 tons – the head weighs 30 tons;
Height: 38 meters – each outstretched arm is 28 meters;
Built in reinforced concrete and covered with soapstone. An interesting fact is that the 50 parts of the face and the eight of the hands were molded in Paris and arrived in Brazil like a puzzle, each part numbered.
Location: At the top of Corcovado Mountain, in the Tijuca National Park, at an altitude of 710 meters

Parque Lage

Parque Lage is located in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood, at the foot of Corcovado Mountain. Covering 52 hectares of forests, the area within Jardim Botânico captivates with its lush green beauty and its connection to art and culture. From its origins as an old sugar mill, the site has transformed into a serene refuge for walks and hikes through the Tijuca Forest trails. One of the most visited attractions is the Palacete do Parque Lage, built in 1931

Confeitaria Colombo

Confeitaria Colombo is considered a true Carioca heritage. Since its foundation in 1894, the confectionery has maintained its original architecture, transporting visitors to an era of elegance and tradition. Located in the heart of Rio, near Copacabana Fort, the traditional confectionery offers a wide variety of irresistible sweets and savories, delighting palates with refined flavors and an ambiance that blends history and taste in an unparalleled way. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor timeless delights and immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of this culinary gem in the heart of Rio

Praia de Copacabana | Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Beach is a beach located in the Copacabana neighborhood, South Zone of the city of Rio de Janeiro. It is considered one of the most famous beaches in the world. Bordered by Avenida Atlântica, Copacabana hosts major events such as beach soccer championships, volleyball world championships, international concerts, and its famous New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks. Copacabana is the most famous beach in the world and a postcard of Rio de Janeiro, earning the nickname “princess of the sea” among Brazilians.

Museu do Amanhã | Museum of Tomorrow

The Museum of Tomorrow was inaugurated in 2015 and stands as a unique science museum. It serves as a space for ideas, information, exploration, and questions about the era of great changes in which we live, prompting reflections on the various paths that lie ahead for the future. Tomorrow is a construct in which each person participates through their citizenship. Through the lenses of sustainability and coexistence, the Museum offers visitors a journey towards possible futures, delving into the profound questions that humanity has always pondered. Where do we come from? Who are we? Where are we? Where are we going? How do we want to get there?

The project for the Museum of Tomorrow drew direct inspiration from the landscape of the port area and Guanabara Bay, as an integral part of the Porto Maravilha Project. The concept aimed for the building to be as ethereal as possible, almost floating over the sea, resembling a boat, a bird, or a plant,” explains the project’s architect, Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Calatrava spent periods in Rio, documenting his creative process through over 600 watercolor paintings throughout the project.