at a glance
the hotel, a big, square, white building dating back to 1922 and easily recognizable on the beach, saw its function change from hotel to casino in 1933. it has since become one of the city's most important atractions, hosting shows by historical performers such as carmen miranda. later, when gambling was made illegal in brazil in 1946 by presidend dutra, the building became the headquarter of tupi televison, the first tv netweork of brazil and south america. many of the first houses of the area were built between 1920 and 1940, the first official road to open in the area was avenida portugal. mostly designed in eclectic and art déco style, many of the original houses are part of the charm of the neighborhood.
