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
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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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Photo: Parque Lage by Pedro
Botton / CC BY 2.0
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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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