A short history of Rio de Janeiro

Understanding the history helps you read the city. This is a summary, with the places where each period can be seen today.

Founding

The city was founded by the Portuguese in 1565, on the shores of Guanabara Bay, amid disputes with the French over the region. It celebrated its 450th anniversary in 2015, according to Wikipedia.

Colony and royal court

In colonial times, Rio grew as a port. The Lapa Arches, an old aqueduct, date from that era. In the early 19th century, the arrival of the Portuguese royal court transformed the city, bringing new institutions such as the Botanical Garden.

Empire and forest

Under the Empire, clearing the forest for coffee dried up the springs. In 1861, Emperor Pedro II ordered the Tijuca forest protected and replanted, the origin of today’s Tijuca National Park, according to the park. In 1884, the same emperor opened the Corcovado Railway.

Capital of the Republic

Rio was the capital of Brazil until Brasília was inaugurated in 1960. From this period come the Municipal Theater, Cinelândia and the first stretch of the Sugarloaf cable car, in 1912. Christ the Redeemer was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, and the Maracanã in 1950.

The contemporary city

On July 1, 2012, UNESCO recognized Rio’s landscape as a World Heritage Site. For the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Games, the Port Zone was renewed, with the Museum of Tomorrow and the Olympic Boulevard.

See it all on foot in historic downtown on foot.