RIO DE JANEIRO SQUARES

Rio de Janeiro is full of squares where sociocultural life takes place. Discover some of the city’s main squares! Praça Tiradentes Located in the center of the city, Praça Tiradentes is one of the most important squares in the history of Rio de Janeiro, having been highlighted at various times over the centuries. Originally from the 17th century, the square has been named after several names: Rossio Grande, Campo dos Ciganos, Campo Polé, Praça da Constituição, and, only at the end of the 19th century, in honor of the hero of the Mining Inconfidência, was then named Tiradentes Square. Among its greatest highlights is the monument to D. Pedro I, considered the first bronze monument in Brazil, from 1862, which was merged in France by the stactist Louis Rochet, with probable participation of Auguste Rodin, of whom he was a disciple at the time. The monument was erected in honor of the first Constitution of Brazil, promulgated on March 25, 1824 by D. Pedro I. At the time, Tiradentes Square was known as Praça da Constituição, because it was there where D. Pedro l swore the Political Constitution of the Empire, at the Real Teatro São João, currently, the João Caetano Theater. In its surroundings, the Old River still sighs. Houses dating from the 18th century to the contemporary world make up the neighborhood. Nearby are two of rio’s most important theaters: the Carlos Gomes Theater and the João Caetano Theater. Also in its surroundings are located some traditional centenary establishments, such as the Real Gabinete Portuguese de Leitura, the former Gafieira Estudantena and bar Luiz, no longer existing, the IFCHS, the Carioca Cultural Center, among other important points of the central region of Rio. Surrounded by bars and very close to Lapa, it is still a meeting point of rio’s bohemian. Every month there are various cultural fairs, samba circles and forrós, not to mention its importance during Carnival. Praça São Salvador In the heart of the Flamengo neighborhood, very close to the Laranjeiras district, hidden among the residential buildings, is Praça São Salvador, one of the most charming, beloved and well-frequented squares in the city. It is endorsed with a children’s playground and a bandstand, as well as being surrounded by bars and restaurants and well-established commerce. The place is considered safe, even at night. Today, Praça São Salvador is a public space revitalized and recognized as a pleasant place and stronghold of Carioca musicians, who organize the weekly choro and samba wheels, as well as random musical events that usually take place there. The square has captive public that includes locals and visitors enjoy the good music. During carnival, the square lives full and full of events and blocks. The success and quality of the events brought fans from other neighborhoods. A craft fair also takes place in the square on Sundays. The family atmosphere is captivating and well worth a visit. General Osório Square General Osório Square is the famous gateway to Ipanema. A few minutes walk from the beach and with access to the subway and the main streets and avenues of the neighborhood, the square is very well located. Surrounded by shops, banks, supermarkets, bistros, bars and restaurants, there is always movement close by. Every Sunday since 1968, there is the traditional Hippie Fair of Ipanema, in addition to other fairs such as free and organic food during the week. This square is also the birthplace of the traditional Banda de Ipanema bloco, which has been active in the square since 1964.