Nowadays the river that cuts through Rio Comprido is doleful and lifeless. However, it used to be abundant in water and navigable. The production of the valley’s plantation of sugar drained through the river that was once called Iguaçu River. Access to the region was made by a winding road, Estrada do Catumbi, currently Itapiru Street. In 1919, Paulo de Frontin Avenue was opened by the engineer and mayor of the same name who channeled and rectified the river. Urbanization followed until 1967, when the opening of Rebouças tunnel and the construction of the underpass degraded the neighborhood, which has become the main gateway between the north and south zones of Rio.
Designed by Auguste Martin (1828/1910), this fountain has its base decorated with sea figures. Two mermaids and a merman sustain an ornate cup from which rises a body with three volumes, supporting a smaller cup, where a boy sits on the back of a dolphin, which makes up a Neptune-like fountain: mermaid children carried by semi-human and fish-like figures.
Image Credits: e-monumen.net
Inaugurated in 1922, it is the oldest school in the neighborhood. This one-story-building has as a highlight the decoration of the facade in stucco and the bust of Mayor Pereira Passos, which stands in the courtyard of the school. Authored by Rodholfo Bernadelli, the sculpture once stood in the old City Hall building, When the building was demolished for the opening of Avenida Presidente Vargas , the statue was transferred to the school.
Image Credits: www.panoramio.com
Founded in 1956, the church was built in the architectural Classical Roman style, a work of the architect Prof. Fenuccio Brasini. Its facade has a single central door, which is huge and has regular wood carvings On its top stands an embossed image of Nossa Senhora das Dores. The top level features three stained glass windows in the gable of the temple, the largest of which is set out in the center, bearing a cross.
Address: 500, Paulo de Frontin Ave. - Rio Comprido
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8am to 7pm / Sunday at 7:30am, 9am, 11am e 7pm
Website: www.nossaparoquiansdores.com.br
Image Credits: Facebook
One of the most beautiful and well-preserved relics of the colonial era architecture, this house is called The Bishop’s House for having its roots in a particular donation to Bishop D. Frei Antônio do Desterro, which took place in the year 1762. Later on, The “Seminário Espiscopal de São José” had its headquarters transferred to this venue.
Image Credits: Ivo Korytowski
This home figures in many engravings, paintings and lithographs of artists who visited Brazil or lived here in the 19th century, like the memoir and historical reports by Debret. The imposing building is located above the level of Paulo de Frontin Avenue and, until a few years ago, it ran the Seminary São José. In 1938, the house was listed by the Historical Heritage. It was restored in 1980 and now it is a property of Fundação Roberto Marinho.
Have you heard about Tijucanos do Ritmo? They were a musical group formed at the Capuchin Church where Tim Maia began his history in music and became fascinated by playing the guitar.
In Barão de Itapagipe Street (then called Rua da Bela Vista), the secular house from Conde de Bonfim stood out, demolished in the 20th century to make way for “Hospital Alemão”, which, after been confiscated during World War II, became the current Hospital da Aeronáutica.
In the mid-19th century, Rio Comprido was the address of wealthy families. Along with Alto da Boa Vista and Botafogo, it was the favourite neighborhood of English newcomers to the Court, who founded several residences with large gardens, which came to be called English farms.
The broth cooked by Barbara Cristina dos Santos features in the gastronomy guide “Guia Carioca da Gastronomia de Rua”. Many treats are served there, among them, angú à baiana , mocotó , pea soup. The tent is supposed to open from Monday to Saturday, at 7pm.However, since opening hours are not very accurate, it is best to arrive after 8pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, it closes at 1am. Closing time for all other days is at midnight.
Address: Condessa Paulo de Frontin Square, s/n - Rio Comprido
Website: www.facebook.com/CaldoDaNegaeBarbara
Image Credits: facebook.com/CaldoDaNegaeBarbara
Surrounding Praça da Bandeira, this restaurant became famous for its feijoada dumpling, a “creation” of chef Katia Barbosa, in 2008. It also serves different brands of imported beers.
Address: 379, Barão de Iguatemi St. - Praça da Bandeira
Website: www.facebook.com/aconchego.carioca
Image Credits: www.guiadasemana.com.br
Founded in 1969, Guanabara State Bullfinch Club is dedicated to native birds and is the best alternative for those who want to get involved with the legal breeding of birds. There are competitions in which the singing of the birds are tested.
Address: Praça Doutor Del Vecchio, nº 8 - Rio Comprido
Phone: (21) 97113-8929
Website: www.curioguanabara.com
Image Credits: vejario.abril.com.br
Official residence of the Archdiocese of Rio, on top of Estrada do Sumaré, it was built in the 50s and hosted the Popes John Paul II and Francisco I during their visit to Rio. The access door to the house belonged to the old church of São Pedro dos Clérigos, which was located in downtown Rio and was demolished in 1944 for the construction of Presidente Vargas Avenue.
Address: 670, Estrada do Sumaré - Rio Comprido
Image Credits: Cristiane Cardoso
