at a glance

right in the historic center of the city, the passeio público, or 'Public Garden', was the very first landscaped garden in Rio de Janeiro and was designed by one of the great artists of the colonial period, Master Valentine da Fonseca e Silva. the Passeio Público was built in 1783, and was a seminal meeting point for the people of Rio throughout the 18th and 19th Century.

Aside from boasting a delightful and fascinating flora and fauna, the park also contains works of art by Mastre Valentim, such as fountains, sculptures and pyramids. Amongst its trees are mango, guava, bamboo, fig, coconut, palm and almond, creating a habitat for an impressive selection of birds, including doves, mocking-jays, herons and hummingbirds. Every Sunday morning a stamp collectors' fair is held in the garden.