it was named the 'pulmão da capital do império' (lung of the capital of the empire) and, interestingly, this garden was actually one of the most important 'touristic destinations' in rio de janeiro until the end of the 19th century - at a time when the beaches were not of interest and most international visitors would visit the gardens and french architecture of rio, while riding on horse carriages. 

today, the park offers visitors an artificial lake with swans and beautifully landscaped grounds.    the park's gardens, grotto waterfall, as well as its many fish ponds, provide rio residents a refuge from the often demanding pace of everyday life.