Architectural, Cultural sights in Rio De Janeiro
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A
Paço Imperial
Built in 1743, the Paço Imperial hosts worthwhile multimedia exhibitions. Originally built as a governor’s residence, it later served as the home to Dom João and his family when the Portuguese royals fled Napoleon and transferred the throne to the colony. In 1888 Princesa Isabel proclaimed the Freedom from Slavery Act from the palace’s steps. In addition to exhibitions, there are several restaurants, and a café and music store on the 1st floor.
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B
Museu Chácara do Céu
The former mansion of art patron and industrialist Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya is now the Museu Chácara do Céu, with a small collection of modern art. In addition to works by Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, and a good assortment of European and Asian works, the museum displays furniture and Brazilian maps dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Beautiful gardens surround the museum, with fine views of Centro and Baía de Guanabara. Sadly, four of the museum’s most valuable paintings were stolen during an armed robbery in 2006.
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Sítio Burle Marx
The enormous 350,000-sq-meter estate, Sítio Burle Marx was once the magnificent home of Brazil’s most famous landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx. The beautifully lush gardens of the estate, 22km west of the city, easily warrant a visit. Strolling the verdantly landscaped area allows visitors the chance to see and smell thousands of exotic plant species from both Brazil and abroad. A lovely 17th-century Benedictine chapel, along with Burle Marx’s original farmhouse and studio, completes the idyllic setting.
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C
Casa de Benjamin Constant
This country estate served as the residence for one of Brazil’s most influential politicians in the founding of the young republic. Benjamin Constant (1837–91) was an engineer, military officer and professor before taking an active role in the Provisional Government. He is also remembered for founding a school for blind children. Painstakingly preserved, his house provides a window into his life and times. The lush gardens surrounding his estate provide a fine view over Centro and the western side of Santa Teresa.
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D
Parque Guinle & the Palácio Das Laranjeiras
Designed by French landscaper Gochet, the park has a European air, and has a small lake, lanes and lawns. Overlooking the park is the resplendent Palácio da Laranjeiras, built between 1909 and 1914 by architect Silva Telles. Today it is the official residence in Rio of the state governor, and contains the same artwork, furniture and ornamental objects from when the palace was built. You can tour parts of the palace by guided appointments.
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E
Museu do Primeiro Reinado
A 10-minute walk east of the Quinta da Boa Vista, this former mansion of the Marquesa de Satos depicts the history of the First Reign (the reign of bumbling Dom Pedro I before he was driven out of the country). The collection includes documents, furniture and paintings, but the main attraction is the building and its interior, with striking murals by Francisco Pedro do Amaral.
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F
Museu Casa de Rui Barbosa
This house museum and former home of renowned Brazilian journalist and diplomat Rui Barbosa contains his library and personal belongings, along with an impressive archive of manuscripts and first editions of other Brazilian authors. Barbosa played a major role in shaping the country’s socioeconomic development in the early 20th century.
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G
Quinta da Boa Vista
The residence of the imperial family until the Republic was proclaimed, today Quinta da Boa Vista is a large and busy park with gardens and lakes. On weekends it’s crowded with football games and families from the Zona Norte.
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