Founded by the Portuguese in 1502, Rio de Janeiro, meaning River of January, fills with not steady streams but rather steep granite mountains and skyscrapers trying to imitate them. Diverse cultures mix with people varying in degrees of wealth and poverty. Despite the city’s many social problems, Rio de Janeiro is nonetheless awe-inspiring, feasting on the beach, football, samba and carnival. Is there anything else to live for? Not in Rio where great food, music, company and Christ looming over is really all anyone needs.
Most visitors begin a trip through Rio by exploring the Centro of the city. The main attraction and square in lies in Praca 15 de Novembro. After a bit of people watching, visitors head indoors to the Museu Histórico Nacional. Holding a collection of art, weapons, and assorted artifacts, the Museum tells the story of Brazil’s history. Set in the Centro area as well is the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes. The museum holds a rich 19th and 20th century art collection along with African and folk art pieces.
The Centro of Rio de Janeiro also hosts religious undertones. Igreja de Nossa Senhorada Candelaria remains a standout landmark in town for its domed roof and marble interior. The church contains Portuguese woodcarvings and stained glass windows to pore over for hours on end. Also in the Centro, the Mosteiro de Sao Bento comes UNESCO stamped and approved. The 17th century monastery contains a number of notable historic paintings and glided woodcarvings.
Sounds ring out of Rio de Janeiro’s many different neighborhoods, but one song ended up becoming world famous. The sophisticated neighborhood of Ipanema became well know across the globe for the song Girl from Ipanema, inspired by the local beauty. Local beauty indeed, Ipanema surrounds in shopping, lazy day cafes and a beach hugging a stretch of shore between Aproador and Leblon. On Sundays, Ipanema puts on a arts and crafts fair.
Home to probably the city’s most iconic image, Cristo Redentor, or Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado reaches heights of 710 meters. The mountain meaning “hunchback” serves as the platform for the statue itself that stands tall at 30 meters high. Travelers and locals come here for the stunning views of the city, beaches and the entire bay area just below. At night, Christ illuminates with floodlights. Visitors can even make their climb up Corcovado historic by taking one of the old trains that ascend the mountain.
Stepping on Corcovado’s toes, Pao de Acúcar, also known as the Sugar Loaf, boasts idyllic panoramic views of the city as well. The conical mountain was thought to resemble that of a mold used to set sugar cane. The 394-meter granite rock allows for visitors to either climb to its summit or take a cable car. At sunset Pao de Acúcar fills with suckers for a good sunset, seeing beaches, city and mountains all within one gaze.
Marvelous and Rio de Janeiro always seem to make it in the same sentence. From the backdrop of gorgeous mountains to white sand beaches below, the city certainly makes for a beautiful, albeit marvelous, setting for one of Brazil’s biggest metropolises.
