Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea, Brazil
A spectacular city with an outdoor living culture
Marvellous City (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is a city so welcoming it is often referred to as Cidade Maravilhosa or the Marvellous City. Rio, shaped by interaction with mountains and sea, lies in the narrow strip of alluvial plain between Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Rio de Janeiro (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
The most visited city in the whole of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is a blessed land with beautiful landscapes. The colours, life and nature here are fantastic.
World Heritage inscription (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2012 and was the first city to receive a World Heritage designation under the Cultural Landscape criteria.
Popular city (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
Famed for its beaches, nightlife and of course its carnival, Rio de Janeiro is also recognised for the artistic inspiration it has provided to musicians, landscapers and urbanists.
The Corcovado (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
One of the most iconic images in Rio is the Corcovado Christ Redeemer (Cristo Redentor), located at the top of the Corcovado hill.
The statue is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, it's 30 metres high and is places upon a pedestal which ads an additional 8 metres. Jesus' arms have a wingspan of 28 metres. The landscape views from here are some of the world’s best.
Sugar Loaf (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
Cable cars enable visitors to travel up the Sugar Loaf (Pão de Açúcar) Mountain. From there, you can appreciate a unique view of the landscape.
Interaction with mountains and sea (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
The World Heritage site stretches from the highest points of the mountains of the Tijuca National Park with its restored Atlantic forest, down to the beaches and sea.
Rio and its beaches (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
The Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Barra da Tijuca are iconic beaches of Rio de Janeiro.
An exceptional urban setting (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
Rio de Janeiro is not just about beaches. The World Heritage site includes the hills around Guanabara Bay, including the extensively designed landscapes along Copacabana Bay. Rio also houses beautiful lagoons such as: Lagoa da Tijuca, Lagoa de Jacarepaguá, Lagoa de Marapendi, Lagoa do Camorim and Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.
The property encompasses all the key natural, structural elements that have constrained and inspired the development of the city of Rio and contributed to the outdoor living culture of the city.
World Capital of Architecture (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
The former Capital of Brazil is home to some of the finest museums and Historical Centres. Rio de Janeiro is the World Capital of Architecture for 2020, becoming the first metropolis to receive the designation from UNESCO.
Parque Enrique Lage (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
The Parque Lage (a public park), located at the foot of Morro do Corcovado is included as part of the World Heritage property. It comprises a beautiful forest, imperial palm trees, gardens built in the European style, fountains and plenty of benches to take in the scenery. The mansion in the park was remodelled in the 1920s by Italian architect Mario Vodret.
Niterói Contemporary Art Museum (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
From the historic to the futuristic, Rio de Janeiro houses the Museum of Contemporary Art, located in Niterói. The futuristic shape created by Oscar Niemeyer has become a landmark of modern world architecture.
Surrounded by a water mirror, the museum´s large external concrete ramp, distinctive with its red floor, takes visitors to the upper floors with a panoramic view of Guanabara Bay and the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói.
Carioca Aqueduct (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
The Carioca Aqueduct is located in the bohemian, Lapa district of Rio. Most famous for the Lapa Arches, the area is renowned for its open-air nightlife.
Outstanding Universal Value (2012) by Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the SeaUNESCO World Heritage
The development of the city of Rio de Janeiro has been shaped by a creative fusion between nature and culture. This interchange is not the result of persistent traditional processes but rather reflects an interchange based on scientific, environmental and design ideas that led to innovative landscape creations on a major scale in the heart of the city during little more than a century.
These processes have created an urban landscape perceived to be of great beauty by many writers and travellers and one that has shaped the culture of the city.
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Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea
This exhibit was created by Embratur: www.embratur.gov.br
More on Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea and World Heritage: whc.unesco.org/en/list/1100/
Photos: Embratur
