at a glance

the 'lapa's arches' are  lapa's unmistakable symbol - located in praça cardeal câmara (cardinal câmara square) date back to 1723. considered the most important architectural feat of antique rio, the 42 arches span 270  meters (810 feet) and are nearly 18 meters tall (60 feet) -  used initially to supply water to santa teresa, today the arches act as passage to santa teresa for the bonde - the electric tram. architecturally, the lapa's arches are simply a must-see historical landmark but, additionally, the arches are a natural meeting point for hundreds of people on weekend nights, and a stage for several cultural events throughout the year. in the beginning of the 20th century, the district was considered the center of the bohemian life in rio de janeiro, featuring several well known establishements such as bars and cabarets.