Christ,
the Redeemer Statue
Located atop the Corcovado Mountain at a height of 710 meters, the statue of
Christ the Redeemer is certainly one of the world's best-known and most-visited
monuments. This outing begins in the Cosme Velho District, aboard a miniature
train that runs through the steep Atlantic Rainforest up to the foot of the
statue, offering stunning
glimpses
of Rio from many different angles. From the top, the view is nothing short of
heavenly: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botanical Gardens, the Jockey Club, and
the Lagoon. The entire city spreads out in a magnificent panorama during the
day, glittering and magic after dark and always protected by Christ the Redeemer,
who blesses visitors and residents from on high.
Sugarloaf
The height and unmistakable outline of Sugarloaf make it - together with Christ
the Redeemer one of the two main attractions offering breathtaking views of
Rio. This famous landmark is reached by cablecar in two stages:
first to the top of Urca Hill, where visitors catch the second car to their
final destination. From the Sugarloaf, the endless beaches of Rio de Janeiro
and Niterói stretch to the horizon.
Set against the lush Atlantic Rainforest, the scene is dotted with historical
buildings such as the Santa Cruz Fort and the miniature palace on Fiscal Island.
Rodrigo
de Freitas Lagoon
Surrounded by luxurious homes and embraced by Christ the Redeemer, the Rodrigo
de Freitas Lagoon is an impressive sight at sunset, as the light reflects on
its tranquil waters.
Linked
to the sea by the Jardim de Alah canal that divides Ipanema from Leblon, it
is encircled by parks, multi-sports courts, a roller-skating rink, a heliport,
jogging and bicycle paths, and an outdoor food court offering a wide variety
of dishes ranging from Italian through Japanese, in addition to live music from
9 p.m. onwards. On Sundays and holidays, paddleboats offer visitors a unique
view of the forest covered mountains framing the loveliest lake in Rio.
Carioca
Aqueduct
Located in the Largo da Carioca Square, once the center of Rio's turn-of-the-century
nightlife, the Arcos da Carioca arches hold their place in history as the most
monumental work undertaken in colonial Rio. Originally built as an aqueduct
to supply the city with water, today they carry another outstanding attraction:
the scenic tramlines linking the Carioca Station downtown to the picturesque
Santa Teresa district.
Botafogo
Bay
The sidewalk running along Botafogo Beach in front of the bay of the same name
offers one of the loveliest views of the city, with Urca Hill and Sugarloaf
right at the entrance to the Guanabara Bay. In the foreground, the boats and
sails of the Yacht Club add life and color to the scene. A favorite venue for
shows and concerts drawing lively crowds, its facilities include a cycle path
and bicycle racks for visitors.
Flamengo Park
Popularly known as the Aterro or landfill, its 1.2 million m² of lawns, flowering
shrubs and trees are one of the loveliest and most important landscaping projects
designed by Roberto Burle Marx. Running along the shoreline from the Santos
Dumont Airport to Botafogo Bay, this park offers a wide array of attractions.
An interesting itinerary starts at the Modern Art Museum, continuing past the
Monument to World War II, the Marina da Gloria and the Carmen Miranda Museum,
ending at the Monument to Estácio de Sá, founder of the City of Rio de Janeiro.
An unforgettable spectacle on the first Sunday of each month is the
changing
of the guard by all three Armed Forces, at the Monument to World War II Soldier.
On Sundays and holidays, this park is closed to traffic, offering the public
numerous recreation options.
Copacabana Fort
Built in 1914 to defend Guanabara Bay, the Copacabana Fort offers visitors
many interesting attractions. Outstanding events are recorded for posterity
at the Army Historical Museum through displays, video exhibitions, maquettes
and even a hi-tech multi-media terminal that is a favorite with visitors to
the Fort. All this is set against a panoramic view of one of the loveliest
points on the Brazilian coastline.
Rio de Janeiro Zoo
In January 16, 1888 Rio de Janeiro was given its first zoo in Brazil, which
was founded in the district of Vila Isabel by Baron Drummond. Many financial
problems arose as years went by what turned the animals maintenance into a
very difficult task. In order to make money enough to keep the zoo, the baron
invented a game called “Jogo do Bicho”,
a kind of an animal-based lottery. The game attracted the neighborhood visitors
and people from further places. Baron Dummond’s idea became part of Rio de
Janeiro daily routine, but unfortunately it was not enough to save the old
Zoo which was closed. But later a new Zoo was inaugurated in Quinta da Boa
Vista Park, in the historical district of São Cristovão by the date of March
18, 1945. Rio de Janeiro Zoo has been experimenting both glories and difficulties
since then, but it is still alive. In 1985 the Zoo changed into RioZoo Foundation,
what brought management agility and,
most of all, welcomed an updating process responsible for an Environmental
Research and Education Institution
which is respected all over the world.
Fiscal Island
The miniature palace on Fiscal Island is famed as the venue of the last ball
hosted by Brazil's crumbling Empire on 9 November 1889; the Brazilian Republic
was proclaimed only a few days later. Located in Guanabara Bay close to
Ilha das Cobras island, it covers an area of only 5,200m². Visits by appointment.
Above
there are some exemples and it is impossible to cite them all, there are some
other places.
