National Historic and Heritage Foundation Designed by Ramos de Azevedo and executed by Antonio Januzzi, the building is one of the last commercial real estates build after the Façade Competition sponsored by the mayor Pereira Passos, in the beginning of the century, then aiming at constructing the modern Central Avenue, currently Rio Branco. Its ecletic architecture is characteristic of 1908 - the year of its inauguration - imitating Paris and other European cities. It was registered as historical site in 1978, keeping many of its first features, as a cultural center. On the ground floor of 44 Rio Branco Avenue, Travessa Bookshop and Restaurant Bazaar. Venue: Av. Rio Branco, 46 - Centro Phone: (21) 2203-3113
15 de Novembro Square
In 1590, the Carmelite Fathers built their convent on this historic site, which at that time was little more than a sandy stretch of coast. In 1700, the Rio de Janeiro Government acquired some properties from the Carmelite Fathers in order to build the royal warehouses, which were rebuilt and expanded from 1743 onwards, to include the Governor’s Mansion. When the Portuguese Royal Family arrived in Brazil in 1808, this was transformed into the Royal Palace, and the square surrounding it was renamed the Largo do Paço. It has borne witness to many important moments in the history of Brazil including: the decision by Emperor Pedro I to remain in Brazil; the coronation of Brazil’s two Emperors - Pedro I and Pedro II; the Abolition of Slavery; the deposition of Emperor Pedro II in 1889 and the extradition of his family and household. From 1743 through 1899 this Square was home to the Government not only of the City of Rio de Janeiro but also Brazil, when for three successive periods Rio was the nation’s capital and home to its Court. The Square was renamed Praça Quinze de Novembro in honor of the date on which Brazil was proclaimed a Republic on November 15. Still today many impressive monuments remain in its neighborhood, particularly churches and old buildings. They include the Imperial Palace, which is now a cultural center complete with restaurants, temporary exhibitions and musical performances and the Carmelite convent in the Rua Primeiro de Março, built during the XVI century and dating back to the earliest Carmelite Fathers, today the Candido Mendes College. The Pyramid Fountain was sculpted by Mestre Valentim in 1789, fed by the Carioca River in order to provide water for ships; the Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church in the Rua Primeiro de Março, the former cathedral dating back to 1761; and the Church of the Third Order of Carmel, in the Rua Primeiro de Março, dating back to the XVII century, the Teles Arches, the last colonial arches in Rio, offering access to the Praça Quinze de Novembro through the Travessa do Comércio, which is lined by one of the best-preserved rows of two-story townhouses in Rio; the church of Lapa dos Mercadores, following the Travessa do Comércio to the corner of Rua do Ouvidor, which was built by local traders in 1747 and rebuilt in 1862. The Tiradentes Palace in the Rua Primeiro de Março today houses the Legislative Assembly, with the statue of Brazil’s Independence martyr Tiradentes gracing its portico, close to the Church of São José in the Rua Primeiro de Março dating back to 1808, although the Saint has been venerated here since 1608. In the center of the Praça Quinze de Novembro Square is the monument to General Osório, a work by Rodolfo Bernardelli and paid by popular subscription. Venue: Centro
3rd Order of São Francisco da Penitência Church. Built on land donated by the Franciscan monks beside the Convent of Santo Antonio Church, it’s entire history is linked with the convent forming a complex representative of Brazilian colonial architecture in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The construction of the present church was started in 1622. In 1738 the main chapel was finished with all the internal ornamentation engraved in gold. It is one of the most expressive examples of Brazilian baroque art by engravers and sculptors Manuel de Brito and Francisco Xavier and by artist Caetano da Costa Coelho, whose painting in architectonic perspective, oils on wood, representing the glorification of Saint Francis of Assisi is on the ceiling of the central nave. There is also a patio-garden in the church grounds through which you reach the catacombs adopted until 1850. Venue: Largo da Carioca, 5 - Centro Phone: (21) 2262-0197 Time: Tues-Fri, 9am-noon, 1pm-4pm
Barão do Rio Branco Fort Venue: Alameda Marechal Pessoa Leal, 265 - Jurujuba – Niterói Phone: (21) 3611-1207 Time: Sat-Sun and holidays, 9am-4pm
Candelária Church
The origin of the first rustic church built at the end of XVI century or at the beginning of XVII century is credited to a worshipper’s vow to Nossa Senhora da Candelária. The worshipper was Antônio Martins Palma, a ship captain who had nearly been shipwrecked during a heavy storm. In 1775 a new design by Major-Engineer Francisco Roscio gave the present style of the church building, dedicated in 1811 with the Prince Regent himself attending. New remodeling took place in the mid-19th century, lasting until 1890, when the church building was rededicated. The only surviving part from Francisco Roscio’s design is the façade. The dome, built entirely from lime-stone shipped over from Lisbon, is the church’s main visual characteristic. It was built in neoclassical style from 1865 to 1877. The interior is entirely decorated in marble, contrary to the traditional Portuguese wood engravings. There are fascinating stained glass windows with vivid colors. The two trasepts are dedicated to the Santíssimo Sacramento and N.S.das Dores. The nave’s ceiling has six large panels by painter João Zeferino da Costa, portraying the origins of this church. The doors were sulpted in bronze by Teixeira Lopes, cast in Bruzy, France, and exhibited at the Paris World’s fair in 1889. Venue: Praça Pio X - Centro Phone: (21) 2233-2324 Time: Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm - Sat, 8am-noon - Sun, 9am-1pm
Carioca Acqueduct
Undertaken back in colonial times. Started in 1744 - during the administration of governor Gomes Freire de Andrada. Roman-style aqueduct, consisting of a double arcade of 42 arches, this was a monumental venture Andrada Count of Bobadela - these arches were completed in 1750. They carried water form the Carioca River to the 16 spout fountain that distributed it to the population. Today tramlines run along this aqueduct, linking downtown Rio to the picturesque byways of Santa Teresa. Venue: Largo da Lapa - Lapa
Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião
When the Diocese of Rio de Janeiro was created in 1676, the parish church of São Sebastião do Morro do Castelo was chosen as its Cathedral. It underwent successive changes until the donation of the present site and the partial leveling of Morro de Santo Antônio made the new building possible. The construction, capable of holding twenty thousand people, has the shape of a truncated cone. The main door is decorated with 48 low-relief bronze plates on the theme of Faith. The stained glass windows in vivid colors filter the sunlight. The sculptures and murals inside the vestry were carved by the artist Humberto Cozzi. In the Santíssimo chapel there are two chandeliers by the artisan Nicola Zenotto.
MUSEUM OF SACRED ART
Sat-Sun, 9am-11am and 1pm-4pm
In the basement contains huistorical items such as basins used at the christening of royal princes, an image of Our Lady of Rosário (N.S. do Rosário), the throne of D. Pedro II and the Golden Roses offered by Pope Leo XIII to Princess Isabel to celebrate the signing of the Lei Áurea which abolished slavery in Brazil.
ARCHDIOCESAN ARCHIVES
Tues-Sun, 2pm-5:30pm
One of the richest and most complete collections of Brazilian documents, manuscripts, printed papers and iconographies, dating from the 17th century, making up a socio-religious picture. The archives are set in the basement of the cathedral. Venue: Av. República do Chile, 245 - Centro Phone: (21) 2240-2669 Time: Daily, 7am-7pm
Church and Convent of Santo Antonio The church and convent of Santo Antonio characterize the colonial architecture and Portuguese baroque expression. It has one of the most beautiful vestries in Brazil. The church has three retables dedicated to the Patron Saint, Our Lady of the Conception and St. Francis of Assisi. The convent staged many great events concerning the history of the city of Rio de Janeiro and the country. In 1710, Santo Antonio defends the city and population against French invaders (he starts to receive military honors); in 1776, a university was instituted with 13 disciplines; in 1822, Father Francisco de Tereza de Jesus Sampaio writes the “People’s Manifesto”; between 1854 and 1872, it housed the National Archives; between 1885 and 1901, the 7th Army Infantry Battalion was billeted; in 1870, Victor Meireles painted two canvases at the convent (now at the National History Museum-MHN), among other facts.
The sons and daughters of Dom Pedro I and II are buried in the Mausoleum. The Patron Saint’s feast days cover 13 days of celebration in preparation for the Solemn Feast, celebrated on June 13, date of the saint’s death.
In 2008 the 326th anniversary of St. Anthony was celebrated together with the 400 years of the foundation of the church and convent. Venue: Largo da Carioca, s/nº - Centro Phone: (21) 2262-0129 / (21) 2262-1201 Website:http://www.franciscanos.org.br Time: Mon, Wed, Thurs,Fri, 7:30am-7pm Tues, 6:30am-8pm Sat, 7:30am-11am and 3:30pm-5pm Sun, 9am-11am
Clube Naval Created in 1884, the Club’s present headquarters were only inaugurated in 1911 in the architectural style of the beautiful buildings in the what was then called Avenida Central. Besides being introduced to the building’s history, the visitor will see works of art, the French sculture “La Defense du Drapeau” and the bust of the club’s first president Admiral Saldanha da Gama occupying prominent positons in the entrance hall. On the other floors there is much to enjoy since the collection was formed by donations from ship crews who, back from missions in other countries, always brought something to give to the club. It became a tradition now on display for academics, tourists, students and the public in general. The Main Hall, for example, is decorated with paintings by Hélios Seelinger. Venue: Av. Rio Branco, 180 - Centro Phone: (21) 2282-1273 Time: Mon-Fri, 2-5pm
Conceição Fortress Access via Acre St.
The construction began in 1713, defending the City of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. Five years later, this was the third-largest fort in Rio in terms of firing power. In 1765, the Armory was built to store weapons for colonial troops. From 1917 onwards, the Conceição Fort was renovated to house the Military Geographical Unit, effectively launching the topographical mapping of Brazil. The Conceição Fort and Palace are today home to the 5th Survey Division, whose duties include the supply of cartographic documents and aerophotogrammetric films. A visit to this Fort includes the courtyard, the chapel, the dungeous - which once imprisoned revolutionaries fighting for Brazil‘s independence from colonial rule, political prisoners, members of the Literary Society (1794-1797) - and the inner courtyard, with a magnificent view over the Guanabara Bay.
Visits by appointment. Venue: Rua Major Daemon, 81 - Morro da Conceição - Centro Phone: (21) 2223-2177 Phone & Fax: (21) 2263-9035 Time: Mon-Thurs, 8am-4pm - Fri, 8am-11am
Copacabana Fort
Tel.: 2522-4460 (Public Relations Department)
Inaugurated in 1914 on the promontory of the old Nossa Senhora de Copacabana chapel, the Copacabana Fort was first built to strengthen the defenses protecting the Guanabara Bay. These fortifications still retain their original characteristics, with twelve meters thick walls facing the sea and weapons made by Krupp. This was the setting for one of the most heroic episodes in brazil’s military history - known as the 18 of the fort - which took place on July 5th1922. The Fort also houses the Army History Museum. Venue: Praça Coronel Eugênio Franco, 1 - Posto 6 - - Copacabana Phone: (21) 2287-3781 E-mail:rp@fortedecopacabana.com Website:http://www.fortecopacabana.ensino.eb.br Time: Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm
Duque de Caxias Fort Built between 1776 and 1779 at the order of the Viceroy, the Marquês do Lavradio, the mission of the Forte do Vigia fort was to warn the other fortifications of the approach of enemy vessels, ending this line of defense with a stone gateway that can still today be seen atop the Ladeira do Leme. National Independence hero Tiradentes (Joaquim José da Silva Xavier), served here in 1789 as a member of the Minas Dragoons, posted to this fort at that time. Renovated by Captain Augusto Tasso Fragoso in 1895, it was renamed the Forte do Leme, and in 1918 was armed with eight huge (280mm) Krupp cannons from Germany. In 1935 it was renamed in honor of the Duque de Caxias, by Presidential decree. Shut down as a fortification in 1965, on April 24 it was re-opened as the Brazilian Army Staff Studies Center.
The Ecological Track of the Duque de Caxias Fort is open to the general public on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 9:00 a.m. until 05:00 p.m Venue: Praça Almirante Júlio de Noronha, s/nº - Leme Phone: (21) 3223-2034 / (21) 3223-2035 E-mail:consoc@clp.ensino.eb.br Website:http://www.cep.ensino.eb.br Time: Sat-Sun and holidays, 9am-5pm
Fiscal Island
Departures: A Navy schooner Nogueira da Gama is the means of transport to Ilha Fiscal.
Tickets are available on visit days, from 11 am.
Closed on the following holydays: January 1, Carnival, Good Friday, All Soul’s Day, December 24, 25 and 31.
Covering 1,000 square meters on the island just off Praça XV, this picturesque palace was designed in 1881 in neo-Gothic style by engineer Adolfo Del Vecchio, and inaugurated on 27th April 1889. At this time, it was known as Ilha Fiscal Island, and served as the barracks for the Port Supervision Guards. Little used for its original purposes, it is famous as the venue of the last ball of the Brazilian Empire, organized by the Viscount de Ouro Preto in honor of the crew of the Chilean warship, Almirante Cochrane on 9 November 1899. From 1913 through 1998, the Brazilian Navy used this landmark, which is currently under the administration of the Historical and Cultural Heritage Division. Backed by the Navy Documentation Unit, it is today a cultural center housing temporary and permanent exhibitions that portray the history of this eye-catching miniature palace and the Brazilian Navy. Interactive presentations guide visitors on their tour, including the tower, drawing attention to its painted walls and dome, floored in Brazilian hardwood mosaics, stained-glass windows and carved stonework, decorated with columns, arches, festoons and symbols of the Brazilian empire. Reaching a height of 53 meters, this palace also houses the largest clock dating back to the Brazilian Empire, made by Krussman.
How to get there: A boat will provide transportation to the island, wich is the only one remaining from World War I. Venue: Av. Alfredo Agache, no final da Praça Quinze - Centro Phone: (21) 2104-6721 / (21) 2233-9165 / (21) 2104-6992 Time: Thurs-Sun, 1pm, 2:30pm and 4pm
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário e São Benedito The church that dates from the 18th century was built between 1700 and 1725. In 1735 it gained the status of cathedral as the city´s see was transferred to it. In the mid 19th century the façade was renovated, but the portico and the towers were kept. Architect Lúcio Costa, who planned the restoration, used very effectively trellises and wooden balustrades inthe main chapel, which gained a dignified atmosphere. The Church houses the Museu do Negro (Blackman´s Museum - Mon-Fri, 8am-noon and 1-5pm) with is own collection and library. Venue: Rua Uruguaiana, 77 - Centro Phone: (21) 2224-2900 / (21) 2224-2957 / (21) 2224-2941 Time: Mon-Fri, 7am-5pm Sat, 7am-1pm
Igreja de São Sebastião dos Capuchinhos Built in 1928, in the neo-Byzantine style, by the architect Riccardo Buffa,
the church was built with the purpose of keeping the image of Saint Sebastian, Rio de Janeiro Saint Patron, after the Castle Hill (Morro do Castelo) was removed. The bronze doors were made by Oreste Fabbri.
One can see the marble topped grave, where Estácio de Sá, deceased in 1583, is buried. Rio de Janeiro ’s foundation monument is also there.
Saint Sebastian celebration is held on January 20th with a procession from the Capuchins Church up to the Metropolitan Cathedral. On the year’s first Friday, there is the traditional churchgoers’ followed by benediction. This ceremony is repeated every first Friday of the month, thus renewing faith and hope. Venue: Rua Haddock Lobo, 266 - Tijuca Phone: 2569-2852 Website:http://www.igrejadoscapuchinos.org.br
Municipal Theatre Designed and built by A Guilbert and Francisco de Oliveira Passos, the theatre was inaugurated on July 14, 1909. The main murals are by Eliseu Visconti (those of the foot and back drop) and by Rodolfo Amoedo. Mosaics are by Henrique Bernardelli.
(THE MUNICIPAL THEATRE GUIDED TOURS PROGRAM)
Coordinator: Christina Penna (Art Historian), Suely Avellar(educator)
The guided tour program takes visitors to see the renovation works and also the backstage of the theatre. Venue: Praça Floriano, s/nº - Centro Phone: (21) 2332-9195 / (21) 2332-9005 Website:http://www.theatromunicipal.rj.gov.br
Nossa Senhora da Cabeça Church Built during the early 17th Century adjunct to the rural property of the d’El Rei Mill. Today it is located in the lands of the Casa Maternal Melo Matos [Melo Matos Maternal Home. Venue: Rua Faro, 80 - Jardim Botânico Phone: (21) 2512-5565 / (21) 2512-1266 Time: Daily, 8am-5pm
Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro Church
Guided visits by appointment on the first Sunday of each month.
Most of the XVI, XVII, XVIII and XIX buildings still standing in Rio de Janeiro are churches. Their richly decorated interiors are true architectural gems. Outstanding among them due to its octagonal ground-plan and domed roof is the Gloria do Outeiro church. An innovative work at the time (1739), it is attributed to Portuguese architect José Cardoso Ramalho. Its single nave is lined with a double row of pillars topped with ornamental stonework, with vivid tiles that date back to the XVII century. This church is particularly important to the people of Rio, as the hill on which it is set was the strategic point taken from the French by the city’s founder, Estácio de Sá. This allowed the Portuguese to take the Uruçumirim Fort in 1567, paving the way for expansion of the settlement first founded on First March 1565. Venue: Praça Nossa Senhora da Glória, 135 - Glória Phone: (21) 2557-4600 / (21) 2225-2869 Time: Tue-Fri, 9am-noon, 1pm-5pm Sat-Sun, 9am-noon
Nossa Senhora da lapa dos Mercadores Church Located next to the Travessa do Comércio, the building was inaugurated in 1750. The complete restoration that took place between 1862 and 1872
preserved little of its original version. The façade gained a neoclassical style with the opening of three arches and the setting up of a triangular front with the bell tower centralized behind it. Iron bars enclose the atrium. The very beautiful marble medallion, from the 18th century, portraying the coronation of the Virgin, is visible below the tower.
The design of the church is a combination of oval nave, topped by dome and lantern, with the traditional rectangular chancel shape. The architectural concept, with its curves, is similar to that of Church of N. S. da Glória do Outeiro. The carving work inside was created by Antônio Alves Meira and executed by Mestre Antônio de Pádua e Castro. The interior is in a late baroque style, and in the cross arch there remain rococo details of the
previous decoration. The paintings on the ceiling of the chancel are of good quality and four wall panels depict the history of the Virgin. Venue: Rua do Ouvidor, 35 - Centro Phone: (21) 2509-2339 Time: Mon-Fri, 8am-2pm
Nossa Senhora da Penha Church Perched atop a 69 meter-high cliff, the church of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França welcomes new visitors driving into Rio from the international airport or along the Avenida Brasil. The Festa da Penha church fair - held from the first Sunday of October to the first Sunday of November, celebrates the contrition and faith of devotees. Today it is also a colorfully attractive chapter in the life of the city. Lively with music, song and dance, as well other folk-arts, it features exhibitions, festivals, shows, and a wide variety of open-air, amusements. Venue: Largo da Penha, 19 - Penha Phone: (21) 2290-0942 / (21) 3887-5155 E-mail:faleconosco@santuariopenhario.org.br Website:http://www.santuariopenhario.org.br Time: Daily, 7am-6pm
Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga Sé Church The history of Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church, registered as an historic site by IPHAN in 1941, begins at the end of the 16th century, when, in 1590, the first Carmelite monks who arrived in Rio de Janeiro were given the small country chapel of Nossa Senhora do Ó on which to build it. In 1761, the Carmelites laid the foundation stone for a new construction dedicated to Our Lady of Carmo, inaugurated in 1770. In 1808, with the arrival of the Royal Family and its Court, it became the Queen’s new home. The Prince Regent, Dom João, raises the Carmelite Chapel to the Royal and Imperial Chapel. From 1889 to 1976 it became the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Cathedral.
Some historic events took place in the Church including the coronation and acclamation of King D. João VI in 1818; the acclamation of Dom Pedro I, as Emperor of Brazil, in 1822; the marriage of D. Pedro I and Dona Amélia de Leuchtenberg, in 1829; the consecration of D. Pedro II, in 1843; the baptism of Princess Isabel, in 1846. as well as other children of the Imperial Family The remains of Pedro Alvares Cabral are buried in the church and the first Cardinal of Latin America, Dom Joaquim Arcoverde, is buried in the crypt. In 2006, restoration work began on this historic, architectonic and religious construction. The complete restoration was in March, 2008, during the 200 year celebrations of the arrival of the Royal Family in Brazil with a of son et lumière display.
The spectacle is directed by Marcello Dantas, lasts 20 minutes and tells part of the country’s history. Sound and lighting effects produce shadows of historic personalities such as Dom João VI, Dom Pedro I, Dom Pedro II and Carlota Joaquina.
Sound and Light Spectacle:
Admission: R$8
Tues-Fri, 1:30pm
Thurs, 1:30pm and 5:30pm
Sat, noon, 1pm and 2pm
Sun, 12:30pm, 1pm and 2pm
Holidays, 11am, noon, 1pm and 2pm
Guided Visits and Sound and Light Spectacle
Admission: R12 Venue: Rua Sete de Setembro, 14 - Centro Phone: 2242-7766
Paço Imperial Palace Built in 1743, this Palace was first used as the home of the Viceroys of Brazil. With the arrival of D. John VI of Portugal and his Court in Rio de Janeiro, the colony was elevated to the status of part of the United Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarve. This palace then became the seat of the governors of this kingdom, as well as its sucessor, the Brazilian Empire. After the Proclamation of the Brazilian Republic, it became the headquarters of the Posts and Telegraphs Company. In 1938 it was declared part of the nation’s historical and artistic heritage, and is today a landmark in the cultural history of Rio de Janeiro. The first floor of this building houses the Paulo Santos Library, with a collection of some 6,000 volumes and 200 magazine titles, most of which specialized in Luso-Brazilian art and architecture. The other rooms of this building feature art exhibitions, as well as theater performances and readings, concerts, lectures and seminars. On the ground floor, stores sell stationery and discs, as well as renting laser videos, a restaurant and cafeteria. The records show that the area today occupied by these stores was the site of Rio de Janeiro the best blacksmith in XVII Century . The first scale drawing of the city, produced in 1713, as well as archeological remains, show that the Imperial Palace also housed the Mint and the Warehouses of the King. Venue: Praça Quinze de Novembro, 48 - Centro Phone: (21) 2533-4407 / (21) 2533-7762 E-mail:paco@pacoimperial.com.br Website:http://www.pacoimperial.com.br Time: Tues-Sun, noon-6pm
Palácio Gustavo Capanema Built between 1937 and 1945, the Palace acted as headquarters for the Ministry of Education and Culture, and became the Cultural Palace when the country’s capital moved to Brasília. The present name is in honor of the minister responsible for its construction.
An architectural commission, led by Lúcio Costa, together with Oscar Niemeyer and Affonso Eduardo Reidy, developed the project inspired on a sketch by Le Corbusier.
It is representative of one of the first examples of modern architecture in Brazil, and was declared an International Monument by UNESCO.
It is set in a large patio with gardens projected by Burle Marx with statues by Bruno Giorgi. There are ornamental tiles painted by Cândido Portinari, paintings, frescos and panels by artists such as Guignard and Pancetti. Venue: Rua da Imprensa, 16 - Centro Time: Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm Visits for groups by appointment
Paquetá Island
How to get there: Ferry-boats
Call Center: Tel.: 0800 7044113
Located in the heart of Guanabara Bay, the entire island is considered a tourist attraction. In the verses of Brazilian poet Hermes Fontes, Paqueta Island was sung as ”A deep sky that begins in this world whose end is uknown”. Over the years its visitors have all borne witness to the lyricism of its landscapes where flamboyants stand out among other flowers set in this greenery. Here unbroken peace reigns in the few of motor vehicles.
History
Up to the end of the 15th century, the Tamoio Indians used Paquetá as hunting and living grounds. It was officially registered by the Frenchman André Thevet in December 1555, and acknowledge by king Henri II as a French discovery in 1556.
While the French had the Tamoios as their allies, the Temiminós Indians led by Araribóia supported the Portuguese.
The Portuguese victory was consolidated with the expulsion of the French and the defeat of the Tamoios.
Beaches
Paquetá has small and graceful beaches:
Praia Grossa, Gaivotas, Imbuca, Moema e Iracema, Manoel Luís, José Bonifácio, Moreninha, São Roque, Pintor Castagneto (Coqueiros), Lameirão, Catimbau, do Buraco e dos Castelos.
Traditional Events
Saint Roque Festivity
In honor of the Island’s patron saint, it is held along the week or on the weekend nearest to August 16 when the mass for Saint Roque is celebrated.
Saint Peter Festivity
In honor of the patron saint of fishermen who keep the traditional maritime procession on June 29. Venue: Praça Quinze de Novembro - Centro Website:http://www.ilhadepaqueta.com.br
Santa Cruz Fortress In 1555, Frenchman Villegaignon improvised a fortification to defend French Antarctica. Taken by Mem de Sá in 1567, this fortification was expanded into the key point for the defense of the Guanabara Bay, renamed in honor of Nossa Senhora da Guia. Called the Fortaleza de Santa Cruz da Barra from 1632 onwards, it was remodeled with numbered pre-cut stone blocks shipped out from Portugal. Completed only in 1870, it featured in some important moments in Brazilian History. Taken over by the National Historic Heritage Trust on October 4, 1939, the Fortaleza de Santa Cruz fortress attracts visitors from all over the world. Venue: Estrada General Eurico Gaspar Dutra, s/nº - Jurujuba – Niterói Phone: (21) 2711-0462 Time: Tues-Sun, 7:30am-4:30pm
São Bento Monastery
From Monday through Saturday, monitored visits are given from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., highlighting the artistic styles and also the history of the Monastery, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The visits last approximately 30 minutes. For further information, phone: 2516-2286
One of the most priceless features of the country’s historic and artistic treasury. It dates back to the mid XVII century and its building was finished in 1641. Among the artistic heritages of the church there are wood carvings designed by Frei Domingos da Conceição and executed by Alexandre Machado, works by Mestre Valentim and paintings by Frei Ricardo do Pilar and José de Oliveira Rosa. Venue: Rua Dom Gerardo, 68 - Centro Phone: (21) 2516-2286 E-mail:visitamosteiro@osb.org.br Website:http://www.osb.org.br Time: Daily, 7am-5:30pm
São João Fortress Built by the founder of Rio de Janeiro, Estácio de Sá, in 1565, the primitive Fortaleza São João fortress has been expanded and renovated over the centuries. From 1618 onwards it played an important role in various historical episodes, and was manned by the Coastal Artillery until 1991. It currently houses the Physical Training Center and the Superior War College.
On Saturdays and Sundays - Visits by appointment. Venue: Av. João Luis Alves, s/nº - Urca Phone: (21) 2543-3323 Time: Mon-Fri, 9:30am-noon and 1:30pm-4pm
Tiradentes Palace Guided visits for groups by appointment, except on Sundays: Tel.: 2588-1251
Nucleus of Political Memory of the City of Rio and the State of Rio.
Permanent Multimidia Exhibition - Tiradentes Palace - Site of the Legislative Power Memory. Venue: Rua Primeiro de Março, s/nº - Centro Phone: (21) 2588-1411 / (21) 2588-1251 Website:http://www.alerj.rj.gov.br Time: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun and holidays, noon-5pm
Versão em Português
The church and convent of Santo Antonio characterize the colonial architecture and Portuguese baroque expression. It has one of the most beautiful vestries in Brazil. The church has three retables dedicated to the Patron Saint, Our Lady of the Conception and St. Francis of Assisi. The convent staged many great events concerning the history of the city of Rio de Janeiro and the country. In 1710, Santo Antonio defends the city and population against French invaders (he starts to receive military honors); in 1776, a university was instituted with 13 disciplines; in 1822, Father Francisco de Tereza de Jesus Sampaio writes the “People’s Manifesto”; between 1854 and 1872, it housed the National Archives; between 1885 and 1901, the 7th Army Infantry Battalion was billeted; in 1870, Victor Meireles painted two canvases at the convent (now at the National History Museum-MHN), among other facts. 
