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 on the continent, near the now demolished castelo hill (morro do castelo). centro was the location of rio's first dock -  and it was from here that the city expanded into the surrounding region.

during the 19th century, the area developed further, with the embankment of local mangroves and lakes to create space for roads and buildings. the 20th century brought the construction of the harbor, and further landfills catered to the needs of a city experiencing constant growth and development.