in the last 10 years, rio de janeiro has seen an unprecedented economic expansion, leading to improved safety, infrastructure, and a greater international presence.

maintained by the city's prefecture, a wonderful website easy to read covering many historical events of the city of rio de janeiro can be accessed on this page.  

the portal augusto malta maintains an extensive collection of pictures of antique rio de janeiro, and can be accessed via this link.  

the entire history of rio de janeiro can be studied via many documents preserved at the arquivo geral da cidade (city's archives), an institution created in 1567 and making  manuscripts, drawings, engravings, photographs, videos, books and magazines available to all who are interested.

the four cycles of the history of rio - colonial, imperial, old republic, and modern can all be studied and experienced through invaluable documents left by mayors, political figures, and other important cariocas.