Another kind of park is the more historically rich variety, perhaps the most striking of which is Parque Lage, or 'Lage Park', situated at the foot of Morro do Corcovado, or 'Corcovado Mountain', in the district of Jardim Botânico.

Historically, the area was populated by a sugar mill, but was transformed into a dazzling palace and garden in the mid 19th Century. The old, Roman style palace is now home to the Escola de Artes Visuais, or 'School of Visual Arts', which imbues the location with cultural depth.

The gardens themselves are akin to an enchanted forest, containing a wealth of vegetation and fascinating tree species, winding paths, caves and an aquarium. They are also home to old historical artifacts, such as a colonial slaves' launderette.  The diverse natural setting, soaked in national history, is a favorite picnicking spot for friends and families.