at a glance

in fact, centro is the very core of the whole region - it was roughly in the area it now occupies that the portuguese first settled in the continent, near the now demolished castelo hill (morro do castelo).

centro is the location of rio's first dock -  and it was from there that the city expanded into the surrounding lands.

during the 19th century, the area developed further, with the local mangroves and lakes being embanked to create space for roads and buildings.

the 20th century brought the creation of the harbor, and further landfills catering to the needs of a city in constant growth and development.