The Brazil Travel Site » Historic Rio: Mosteiro de São Bento

Historic Rio: Mosteiro de São Bento

admin — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:34:13 +0000

On Sunday at 10am you can hear the Gregorian Chants at the Monastery of São Bento, one of the most impressive Baroque churches in the country. Built in 1663, the monastery contains detailing and sculptures with a mixture of dark Jacarandá wood and gold leaf. Most impressive is the front altar and large paintings along the side altars. The pipe organ is a mixture the original from 1773 and a new organ from 1945. It’s located on Rua D. Gerardo 40 and is open from 7–11am and 2–6pm Monday–Saturday and from 8:15am on Sundays.

Historic Rio: The Pier and Ilha Fiscal

admin — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:24:53 +0000

The marina area in Rio de Janeiro is on the coast of the downtown area. It has a few different attractions to check out. First, inside the Espaço Cultural da Marinha (Av. Pres. Vargas, 9am–5pm daily) is a small Maritime Museum with a few artifacts showing the history of Brazilian sea navigation. Outside at the pier are two ships that are open for viewing: a battle ship and submarine. The main excursion here is the the boat across to the Fiscal Island, which you can take from the pier. On the island, you’ll see the Palácio da Ilha Fiscal, one of the highlights in historic Rio de Janeiro. The palace was built by Emperor Dom Pedro II in 1889 and was used for about a week bedore Brazil was proclaimed a Republic. After that, it was part of the marine base and later fell into disrepair. Restored in 200, the palace is a beautiful gothic structure with many interesting stained glass windows that show the life of Dom Pedro II and his family. Also restored were the ceiling panels, and paintings on the walls and floors. The outer on the outer walls sine with their original light green color. The architecture in general is fabulous. Inside the various rooms and hallways are permanent exhibitions related to the royal family, the palace itself, and the island. Visitation is guided and you should arrive early to ge a seat on the boat, as it can get crowded (Sundays are less crowded). Boats leave at 1pm Thursday and Friday, 1pm, 2:30pm, and 4pm on weekends. Cost is R$8 for adults.

Morro de Corcovado and the Cristo Monument

admin — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:56:00 +0000

Tirelessly watching over the craziness of Rio de Janeiro, the Cristo has stood since 1931 redeeming the city and its inhabitants from the top of Corcovado Mountain. The famous monument, called Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) was designed to celbrate the 100 years of Brazil’s independence from Portugal from 1822–1922. Better late than never; the 1145 ton monument was lifted into place nine years later and has since become the very symbol of city. Today the Cristo Redentor is one of the world’s most recognized monuments. It stand 38 meters tall on the top of the Morro de Corcovado, which is on the edge of the Tijuca National Park–the large mountainous area sitting right in the middle of the city. Many of the foothills of Tijuca are loaded with favelas, poor and lawless neighborhoods of Rio, practically at the very feet of the Cristo.

From the principal viewing deck at the feet of the Cristo, you get a magnificent view of the city, from the Zona Norte (at the left hand of Christ) to the Zona Sul (at the right hand of Christ). He stands, more or less, looking out in the direction of Copacabana (justifiably where most of his attention is required). The monument was given some new features in 2000, including new lighting and new means of access to the top. You can now take one of the panoramic elevators up from the lower station, or take the high-tech escalator. If you prefer the original method, you can still climb the 222 steps, passing numerous souvenir shops and snack stands along the way. But first, you have to get up Corcovado Mountain to the lower platform and reception area. Access to the top of Corcovado Mountain is from the Flamengo neighborhood, where the streets begin their windy way up the hill. Many visitors take taxis up to the top (they are waiting at the bottom of the hill) or take one of the many vans that haul passengers in groups. The best way, however, is via the train that chugs up the hill from Rua Cosme Velho. The station at the bottom was also recently revitalized and contains shops, relaxation areas, and a photographic exhibition of the history of the monument. It costs R$20 and operates from 9am–7pm daily, the same hours of operation as the monument itself.

The official address of the train up Corcovado is Rua Cosme Velho 513 (21/2558-1329, www.corcovado.com.br).