one of the most important landmarks in rio de janeiro is the stadium jornalista mário filho, commonly known as maracanã stadium, after a river which runs in the area. 

construction on the project began in 1948 in preparation for the upcoming brazilian fifa world cup. for many decades it remained the exemplary soccer stadium, and it still represents one of the most iconic and important buildings dedicated to the sport, although in recent years others have superseded it in size and capacity.