Truly a hidden gem in Rio de Janeiro, A must to see when in Rio.
It has a magnificent interior, its reading room having the full height of the building. It is surrounded by galleries for the bookshelves, all resting upon iron col- onnades decorated with neo-Gothic motifs.
The reading room has large galleries and a stained glass dome with an ancient cathedral feel. The floor to ceiling wooden bookcases are filled with the largest collection of Portuguese works outside of Portugal.
Built in the 19th century, this gorgeous library is home to over 350,000 works — and the largest collection of Portuguese works outside of Portugal.
The room is completely covered in books, many of them rare works dating back to the 16th century. It’s the perfect destination for anyone who loves to be surrounded by beautiful books. Please click on the image for bigger view.
The Carioca Aqueduct is an aqueduct in the city of Rio. The aqueduct was built in the middle of the 18th century to bring fresh water from the Carioca river to the population of the city. It is an impressive example of colonial architecture and engineering.
The Carioca Aqueduct is located in the centre of the city, in the Lapa neighborhood, and is frequently called Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches) by Brazilian People. Since the end of the 19th century the aqueduct serves as a bridge for a popular tram that connects the city centre with the Santa Teresa neighborhood uphill, the Santa Teresa Tramway.
Escadaria Selarón, also known as the ‘Selaron Steps’, is a set of world-famous steps in Rio. They are the work of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón who claimed it as “my tribute to the Brazilian people”. A sad story for this artist: after living many years in the vicinity and spending his time coloring the steps, he was found dead on the steps , his body with burn marks. Color red is ubiquitous in this area and after leaving this street, one sees everything …red.
Click on the pictures for a bigger view.
A city where the modern meets the colonial era, still in Lapa lively bohemian neighborhood.
Colonial architecture is more prevalent in this area of Rio, called Lapa. The neighborhood of Lapa, known as the cradle of bohemian Rio is also famous for its architecture, starting with the Arcos – known as the Arcos da Lapa, constructed to act as conduit in the days of colonial Brazil and now serve as a signal for the cable cars that climb the hill of Santa Teresa.
One finds everything to buy on Ipanema Beach, drinks, customs jewelry etc, but bikinis are most popular. Wonder why?
No comments here. Plenty more where that come from…
This beach is considered one of the main centers of activity for the city of Rio. A place to see and be seen to the delight of viewers.
Alix Bléus 