Historic Tour of Rio de Janeiro City Center
One of the most vibrant capitals in Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is teeming with life, culture, and warmth, making it a delightful city to explore and an absolute must-see on any Brazil vacation. The city center itself is full of extraordinary architecture and historic buildings that will take some time to discover. Read this guide to the main attractions you need to see in Rio's center, and start your Rio de Janeiro tour.
One of the main squares in Rio, and a gathering point for people and activity is the beautiful Praça 15 de Novembro, which holds the greatest concentration of historic attractions in town, and should be the starting point to any Rio tour. Step back in time and learn about the city's colorful past as you explore the square. Praça XV, as it is often called, used to be opened to the water, and although the old harbor has been restored, the steps no longer lead to the ocean. A new spot has been constructed opening to the sea front and allowing access to the ferry dock.
Right across from the square stands the beautifully maintained convent of the Ordem Terceira do Monte do Carmo, a construction started in 1611 and which is now home to a university. The order now used a church located right next to the convent, Igreja de Ordem Terceira do Carmo, built in 1755, with towers added in the mid 18th century. The portals and altar made by Portuguese man Mestre Valentim, are the highlights of this church.
Right between the old convent and the church, you'll see another noteworthy church, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga, an old cathedral used by the order between 1590 and 1754, before a new cathedral was built in 1761. On the northwestern side of Praça XV, you'll find the 18th century Igreja Nossa Senhora da Lapa dos Mercadores, which was remodeled in the 19th century and has been meticulously restored in the 20th century. Right across the street is the church of Santa Cruz dos Militares, a striking example of neoclassical architectural work from the 17th and 18th century. Built in 1770-1811, this church boasts the first façade of this movement in the entire country. Another great example of neoclassical work is the Casa França-Brasil, which was constructed by the first French Artistic Mission to Brazil.
Continue your tour of Praça 15 de Novembro with a visit to the church of Nossa Senhora da Candelaria with its beautiful ceilings and paintings, followed by the Paço Imperial, perhaps the most impressive building standing on the square. Located on the southeast corner, this colonial building dates back to 1743 and was the residence of the governor of the Capitania. It became the Imperial Palace after Brazil declared its independence.
One of the main squares in Rio, and a gathering point for people and activity is the beautiful Praça 15 de Novembro, which holds the greatest concentration of historic attractions in town, and should be the starting point to any Rio tour. Step back in time and learn about the city's colorful past as you explore the square. Praça XV, as it is often called, used to be opened to the water, and although the old harbor has been restored, the steps no longer lead to the ocean. A new spot has been constructed opening to the sea front and allowing access to the ferry dock.
Right across from the square stands the beautifully maintained convent of the Ordem Terceira do Monte do Carmo, a construction started in 1611 and which is now home to a university. The order now used a church located right next to the convent, Igreja de Ordem Terceira do Carmo, built in 1755, with towers added in the mid 18th century. The portals and altar made by Portuguese man Mestre Valentim, are the highlights of this church.
Right between the old convent and the church, you'll see another noteworthy church, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga, an old cathedral used by the order between 1590 and 1754, before a new cathedral was built in 1761. On the northwestern side of Praça XV, you'll find the 18th century Igreja Nossa Senhora da Lapa dos Mercadores, which was remodeled in the 19th century and has been meticulously restored in the 20th century. Right across the street is the church of Santa Cruz dos Militares, a striking example of neoclassical architectural work from the 17th and 18th century. Built in 1770-1811, this church boasts the first façade of this movement in the entire country. Another great example of neoclassical work is the Casa França-Brasil, which was constructed by the first French Artistic Mission to Brazil.
Continue your tour of Praça 15 de Novembro with a visit to the church of Nossa Senhora da Candelaria with its beautiful ceilings and paintings, followed by the Paço Imperial, perhaps the most impressive building standing on the square. Located on the southeast corner, this colonial building dates back to 1743 and was the residence of the governor of the Capitania. It became the Imperial Palace after Brazil declared its independence.
