Historical Rio de Janeiro

Visit Rio de Janeiro’s major colonial buildings located in downtown area. At Lapa Arches we find the modern Cathedral located on the way to 15th of November square in the heart of downtown Rio. At downtown you will have the opportunity to see the influence of the French architecture among these: Banco do Brasil Cultural Centre and Casa Franca Brasil. The Casa Franca Brasil was designed by the famous French architect Grandjean de Montigny and the finest example of neoclassical style in Rio de Janeiro. The tour will continue to the Marechal Floriano square also known as Cinelandia. This square concentrates the best of the late 18th century French style architecture in Rio de Janeiro:

Municipal theatre, a scaled-down of the Paris Opera, the Fine Arts Museum, the National Library (reputed worldwide for the copies of Gutemberg’s bible and other first editions dating back to 1500 brought to Brazil by the Imperial family of Portugal when they moved to Brazil fleeing napoleon’s threat). A fine example of baroque art and usually unnoticed- the Sao Bento Monastery, which is also visited. Visit the Praca Maua which was totally renovated and the Museu do Amanha.

On this tour you will enjoy lunch at Confeitaria Colombo restaurant, the most traditional restaurant in Rio. This restaurant is part of the city’s cultural heritage. It is also one of the favourite downtown attractions for tourists from all over the world. The magnificent salons and lined with ornate jacaranda-framed mirrors imported from Belgium at the turn of the century. The art nouveau decor is found throughout its showcases, furniture and fittings, ceiling lights and floor dating back to this delightful past.