Exploring
the fascinating side of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Photo Rio de
Janeiro by sama093
/ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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 Rio
de Janeiro has been in the spotlight recently after hosting the Rio 2016
Olympics, but the city has been a popular destination for visitors worldwide
for some time. This colourful mix of colonial and modern architecture provides
endless fascination, gorgeous beaches, mountain landscapes and stunning
sculpture – the perfect destination for the avid travel
photographer.
While
many visitors head to Copacabana and the pleasures of Ipanema, it is worthwhile
to take a step into the back streets of the city to see evidence of Rio’s
colonial past.
Largo
do Boticário, Cosme Velho
Hidden
behind Corcovado mountain in the Cosme Velho neighbourhood is a colourful
and fascinating square. Largo do Boticário (which roughly translates
to the Square of the Apothecary) was originally a farm, and eventually
became an apothecary producing a variety of ointments and medicines for
Brazil’s royal family. However, the square eventually fell into disrepair,
until it was rescued by a local journalist, Sylvia de Arruda Botelho Bittencourt.
One of the houses in the square was originally owned by the family and
they gradually restored the plaza to almost its original glory.
While
still rather “shabby-chic”, the brightly coloured houses are typical of
Portuguese colonial architecture back in the late 18th century, and the
square is backed by green and verdant hills – a perfect place to relax
when exploring the wonders of Rio de Janeiro. The area is home to many
friendly art dealers and painters, who often allow visitors to explore
their homes.
Parque
Lage, Rio de Janeiro
| Rio de Janeiro has many
parks and green spaces, perfect for a rest while exploring the city, but
some are a little more out of the way than others. Parque Lage is one of
these hidden places – a public park located in the Jardim Botanico neighbourhood
of the city, nestled at the foot of the Corcovado mountain.
According to Atlas
Obscura, where the park now stands was once owned by an industrialist.
The mansion on what is now a public park was remodeled back in the 1920s
and in the 1960s, the property was opened as a public park and the city
established walking trails in the area, heading up into the lush, green
forests of Tijuca National Park.
While exploring the park,
monkeys can be seen in the trees and on the grounds themselves there is
a mysterious cave to explore, as well as an old tower and an aquarium. |
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As for the original mansion
(pictured above right), the building now houses an art school, where visitors
can view the students’ work and relax in the courtyard café on site.
While still an out-of-the-way
and quiet place to visit, the park is indirectly famous, as it was used
as a set for various music videos by the Black Eyed Peas, Snoop Dogg and
Pharell Williams.
Take time out on your next
visit to Rio de Janeiro
and head to these less-traveled areas to enjoy a little time out from the
busy streets of the city.
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