Originally inhabited by Indians Tamoios, the region had its occupation linked to the conquering of Recôncavo da Guanabara. In 1627, the Jesuits built a small church dedicated to St. Christopher on the beach of the same name. The pomp came along with the Portuguese Royal Family, when Dom João VI decided that the Palace of Quinta da Boa Vista would be the official royal residence, and had the areas that were still swampy landfilled. The neighborhood received the 1st telephone center of the country as well as an electricity network in its streets during the reign of Emperor D. Pedro II. Yet, with the setting of the Republic and industrialization, the profile of São Cristóvão changed. Today, the neighborhood is growing with new real estate ventures.
The museum tells the history of the organization, consolidation and modernization of the Brazilian Army and keeps in its collection documents from the evolution of weapons, means of transport, communication equipment, health instruments and military clothing worn by Brazilian troops on the battlefield.
Address: 383, Pedro II Ave. - São Cristóvão
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday and Holidays from 10am to 5pm
Phone: (21) 2589-9581
Image Credits: www.riodejaneiroaqui.com
It hosts exhibitions of vehicles, military motorcycles, historical uniforms and also displays the historical collection of the battalion.
Address: 158, Pedro II Ave. - São Cristóvão
Opening Hours: Everyday from 10am to 4pm
Phone: (21) 2589-9074
Image Credits: Marcelo Carvalho
In 1843, the field was a large swampy area and, around 1850, it was landfilled with ground stone and was then called Campo de D. Pedro. The current name is related to the birth of the neighborhood, and it is named after the Church of São Cristóvão, which had been built there.
Image Credits: www.turistaaprendiz.org.br
Along with the foundation of the Brazilian Historical and Geographical Institute and the Public Archives, the school, which was founded in Brazil Regency period, was part of the civilization project of the Empire. The royalty idea behind the project was to compose a national elite and supply political and intellectual positions with senior management posts, mainly public administration.
Image Credits: Bruno Gonzalez / Oglobo
Since 1926, the stadium Vasco da Gama, best known as São Januário, has been the seat of the “vascaíno” soccer in São Cristóvão. The club was founded in 1898 with the purpose of encouraging rowing, a popular sport at the time, since soccer had not yet invaded Brazilian territory. The name refers to the history of Portugal, a tribute to the 4th Centenary of the Discovery of the sea route to India (in 1498).
Address: 131, Gen. Almério de Moura St. - São Cristóvão
Opening Hours: Everyday from 8am to 7pm
Phone: (21) 2176-7373
Website: www.vasco.com.br
Image Credits: www.asmilcamisas.com.br
One of the oldest scientific institutions in the country, the National Observatory had the initial purpose of guiding geographic studies of Brazil and teaching navigation. Currently, it develops research, education and provision of technological services, being responsible for the generation, distribution and conservation of Brazilian Legal Time.
Address: 77, Gen. José Cristino St. - São Cristóvão
Opening Hours: The ON does not have a systematic program of visits, but visits can be scheduled with the Division of Educational Activities, depending on availability of service. The contact should be made by e- mail daed@on.br
Phone: (21) 3504-9100
Website: www.on.br
Image Credits: www.on.br
It was the first museum that brought together the history of science, the preservation of assets of the heritage of science and technology and the dissemination of science. It carries out scientific and technical events, courses and workshops for science teachers besides activities for specialists in conservation and restoration of documents in paper and metal objects.
Address: 586, Gen. Bruce St. - São Cristóvão
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm / Saturday from 2pm to 7:30pm / Sunday from 2pm to 6pm
Phone: (21) 3514-5200
Website: www.mast.br
Image Credits: www.mast.br
In 1843, the field was a large swampy area and, around 1850, it was landfilled with ground stone and was then called Campo de D. Pedro. The current name is related to the birth of the neighborhood, and it is named after the Church of São Cristóvão, which had been built there.
Address: s/n, Pavilhão de São Cristóvão - Campo de São Cristóvão - São Cristóvão
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm (free entrance) / Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am (Friday) to 9pm (Sunday) (box office entry)
Phone: (21) 2580-5335
Website: https://www.facebook.com/feiradesaocristovaooficial/
Image Credits: Alexandre Macieira
The Palace of São Cristóvão, which was home to the Royal and Imperial families for 81 years, housed a scientific institution founded by King João VI – the National Museum – transferred from Campo de Santana in 1892. After the banishment of the Imperial family in 1889, some palace sites were destroyed: the Astronomical Observatory of the Emperor, the Chapel of São João Baptista and the Clock Tower. The building was abruptly changed, in a process of memory erasing, a destructive procedure in which was included a large auction of D. Pedro II’s belongings, the last occupant of the place.
Besides its traditional anthem, the school also has a cry known as Tabuada. Usually after the running of the anthem, a student proposes the cry and then is followed by the others.
With the opening of the ports to friendly nations in 1808, the “greatest friend” of Portugal, England – had the privilege of introducing a reform plan for the new palace of the Prince Regent. Lord Percy, Duke of Northumberland and ambassador of England, presented Dom João with a towering gate – which was similar to that at his residence in England – to be placed a few meters ahead of the Palace. In 1909, the portal was transferred to the entrance of the Zoo, where it stands until this day.
Designed by architect Affonso Eduardo Reidy in the 40s, the housing complex Mayor Mendes de Moraes was intended for Federal employees of the former capital of Brazil and was completed in 1952. Popularly known as Gravel, it is an example of modernist architecture built on a hillside matching the topography of the city. It was landscaped by Burle Marx, and displayed panels of tiles by Portinari and Anísio Medeiros, in its school and in its sports court. After a period of decay, it was renovated and upgraded for its 1,700 residents.
Established next to the National Observatory since 2010, this restaurant opens its doors every day to welcome guests in a cozy atmosphere, offering a haven against stress to accompany a tasty lunch.
Address: 36, General José Cristino Street - São Cristóvão
Phone: (21) 3217-1607
Website: www.restaurantecristovao.com.br
Image Credits: www.restaurantecristovao.com.br
Set up on the site where the old chapel of the Imperial family used to be, within Quinta da Boa Vista, it was turned into a restaurant in 1954. It has French-style paintings and 19th century furniture retaining part of its original features.
Address: Parque da Quinta da Boa Vista, s/n – São Cristóvão
Phone: (21) 2589-6551 / (21) 2589-4279
Website: www.restaurantequintaboavista.com.br
Image Credits: perfildaplanta.blogspot.com.br
It hosts shows and events with genuine sounds of the Northeast: forró, xote, baião, xaxado, repente, embolada, martelo, arrasta-pé and maracatu. It is also a center for trade of goods, crafts and ethnic food. Moreover, it encourages the “literatura de cordel” and other expressions of the northeastern artistry.
Address: Campo de São Cristóvão S/N - Pavilhão de São Cristóvão
Phone: (21) 2580-6946
Website: https://www.facebook.com/feiradesaocristovaooficial/
Image Credits: Alexandre Macieira / Riotur
Currently closed for restoration, the house is an architectural gem of the city. It was a present from the Emperor D. Pedro I to Domitila de Castro Canto e Melo, the Marquise of Santos, who lived there between 1827 and 1829. It will be the first Brazilian museum dedicated to the customs and fashion in Brazil.
Address: 293, Pedro II Ave. - São Cristóvão
Phone: (21) 2216 8500
Website: www.facebook.com/museudamoda
Image Credits: Felipe Santos
Opened in 1964, the restaurant is known for being one of the most traditional in Portuguese cuisine in Rio de Janeiro. The hearty and tasty dishes are a specialty of the house. It offers several recipes with cod, seafood, fish, game and meat, all typical Portuguese ingredients.
Address: 212, Campo de São Cristóvão - São Cristóvão
Phone: (21) 2580-7288 / (21) 2580-8689
Website: www.adegaoportugues.com.br
Image Credits: Alexandre Macieira
The bar is located on a street that goes from under the overpass in Praça da Bandeira towards São Cristóvão. It plays rock of the 70s, 80s and 90s and became a meeting point for motorcyclers and people who like Rock and Roll because of its concerts from Thursday to Saturday.
Address: R. Ceará, 104 - Praça da Bandeira
Phone:(21) 2567-8890
Website: www.heavydutybeerclub.com
Image Credits: Rapha Simons