Our initial Tuesday tour plans fell through, so Plan B was a four-hour crash course on the history of Rio de Janeiro. (Seeing history conjures up much more intrigue than hearing it!) Our guide historian, Leonardo walked us back through time in Centro along the old commerce, black-and-white cobbled streets to many of the Portuguese colonial structures and historical churches. (We highly recommend Leonardo to anyone who may be planning to visit.) This tour gave us a glimpse of the colorful past and rich history of Rio, beyond the beaches--plenty of intrigue indeed!
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So we were told that after each semester, freshmen from the universities slap paint on themselves if they pass their classes. Then, they take to the streets to collect beer money from their fellow cariocas.
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| The Paco Imperial (Imperial Palace) served as a political mecca for nearly 150 years, housing seven emperors in the colonial age and a royal residence to King John VI of Portugal. |
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| I am in love with this architecture, particularly the manor house style! |
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| Rio City Hall |
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| Theatro Municipal (Opera House) was complete in 1909 |
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| These Brazil wood trees were highly desirable for its red dye back in the 16th century. |
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| Listening intently or just being nosey?? |
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| At Santo Antônio Hill: St. Francis of Penance Church (right), St. Antony Church (middle) and St. Antony Monastery in the background are undergoing major renovations. But, "never judge a book by it's cover...". |
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St. Francis of Penance Church
Wow...we weren't expecting to walk in and see this Baroque-styled gem, especially after seeing the deplorable condition of the exterior. Fortunately, as seen above, work is currently underway to preserve this colonial treasure. |
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| The interior is all gold-leaf |
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| Construction of this church predates the 1700's |
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| This chapel was constructed adjacent to the church. |
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| To think of the history behind these doors...if only they could talk? |
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| Part of the Convento de Santo Antonio |
The old commerce streets of Rio
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| Rio's most famous tearoom and pastry shop from the 1800's. |
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| We stopped in for savory salgados (pastries) and Brazilian black coffee... |
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| The Carmel Church |
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| The church is named for the Carmel Order of Nuns, which just so happens to be the same order of nuns who taught me at E.D. White and where mom works. |
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| The Candelária Church was built and decorated during a long period from 1775 to the late 1800s. |
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| Banco Brazil |
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| Class adjourned! |
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