it is refreshing to know that a city like rio de janeiro, a hub of energy, movement, and constant evolution  could be home to peaceful, tranquil corners, perfect to just sit and enjoy a book. many of the colonial palaces built in rio included  gardens - beautiful manicured, these precious hideaways often feature fountains, graveled paths, and benches surrounded by plants and flowers.

in the second half of the  19th century, emperor dom pedro ii personally invited the french architect, engineer and botanical greens keeper auguste françois marie glaziou to care for for rio's gardens - awarding him with the title of 'paisagista do império' (the empire's landscaper).