10 Best Historical Sites in Rio de Janeiro

 10 Best Historical Sites in Rio de Janeiro

 

When you finally decide to take that long-awaited vacation to Rio de Janeiro, you will probably be thinking more about the beaches, the Carnival, and even the Christ the Redeemer Statue.  However, the entire city of Rio de Janeiro is so much more than gorgeous views and amazing beaches.  This city used to be the capital of Brazil until 1960 and that means so many important events happened in this part of the country.  Brazilian politics were also prominent in downtown Rio de Janeiro back then and there are many historical places that share everything about the government, from the monarchy all the way to the republic. 

Fiscal Palace

This is a beautiful palace close to XV November Square in Rio de Janeiro.  It was constructed to receive the parties from the Royal Family of Brazil.  There is one thing about this palace that intrigues many people and that is the fact that it was only used for one party, exactly one week before the republic was claimed in the country. 

Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is the most important building in Rio de Janeiro.  So much of Brazilian history has taken place in this historical site in Rio de Janeiro including the abolition, the proclamation of the republic, and all the independence acts. 

St. Benedict Monastery

The St. Benedict Monastery offers some of the best Brazilian Baroque architecture, while also being one of the most historical places in Rio de Janeiro.  This monastery can be found inside the Benedictine Convent and the best time to visit in on Sundays when the monks perform Gregorian anthems. 

Imperial Museum of Petropolis

The Imperial Museum of Petropolis was the dream of Peter I, however, it was his son, Peter II who managed to make this dream come true.  The Petropolis was where the Royal family lived during their summers in downtown Rio de Janeiro.  When you visit this museum, you can see many different artifacts from the Royal family.  The most popular items include the Emperor’s crown and the letter of abolition. 

IgrejaNossa Senhora do Carmo – Old Cathedral of Rio

The IgrejaNossa Senhora do Carmo is considered the former cathedral of Rio de Janeiro and you will find it in XV November Square.  It was at this cathedral that Brazilian Emperors and the King of Portugal were coronated, and numerous princes and princesses were baptized there as well.  When the King of Portugal was coronated at the IgrejaNossa Senhora do Carmo, it marked the first time that was done in a colony during the Napoleon Wars. 

Sugar Loaf Mountain and Urca Hill

Sugar Loaf Mountain and Urca Hill are two historical sites in Rio de Janeiro and they are also included in the designation of most popular attractions.  The beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro happens to be at the bottom of Sugar Loaf Mountain and changes have been made over the years to keep the city protected.  There are twelve fortresses around Sugar Loaf Mountain, and they were designed to protect the richest Portuguese colony from the past. 

Santo Antonio Convent

The Santo Antonio Convent is another one of the historical sites in Rio de Janeiro and it should be on everyone’s must-see list when visiting.  This Franciscan Convent can be found within Carioca Square and there are three churches inside.  The one you must take the time to admire is the Church of Sao Francis of Penitence. 

Valongo Port

Valongo Port is very close to the dock area in Rio de Janeiro and it is where thousands of African slaves disembarked to work as slaves within the city and country.  This is one of the saddest parts of Rio de Janeiro’s history and many of those Africans and their descendants died at that time.  While the African slaves were in Rio, they increased the economy during the 18^th century from the harvesting of coffee.  The name of this port was changed to Empress Port, because it is where Empress Teresa Cristina arrived when she came from Austria to marry Peter II.

Pedra do Sal

This is the area where many of the African slaves lived after arriving in Rio de Janeiro.  They shared the world-famous rhythm called samba that they created with the people of Rio and it is now considered a type of religious meeting. 

Tiradentes Square

It was within Tiradentes Square where a republic hero, who was called Tiradentes, was killed.  On the 200^th year of his death, this square was named after him.  When you visit this area in Rio de Janeiro, you are almost certain to see one of the many musical events that are held there throughout the year.  You will also learn how Tiradentes Square became the place where the Bohemian Lifestyle in Rio de Janeiro was formed. 

These are the ten best historical places within Rio de Janeiro, and you must take the time to see them all during your visit.  Rio Cultural Tours can assist you with that when you book a tour with Fabio.  You can choose an already prepared tour, or you can customize a tour to fit your own personal needs.  All you need to do is contact Rio Cultural Tours and let them help you find a tour that will have you seeing all these historical places, as well as much more of this beautiful city.