spanning across 270 meters, 42 white arches nearly 18 meters tall the arcos da lapa are rio de janeiro's symbol of bohemian nightlife, and the back-drop for a variety of cultural events ranging from theatrical representations to musical concerts.

the unmistakable white arches featured on many rio de janeiro postcards are in fact the carioca aqueduct, commonly called the lapa arches (arcos da lapa) - an 18th century aqueduct that was originally built to supply the city of rio with fresh water from the carioca river, and that today is recognized as one of the most important landmarks of rio de janeiro.