at a glance

 

situated just next to the guanabara bay, the praça xv (praça quinze de novembro) has historically been one of the most important locations in rio de janeiro, playing a leading role in the city's affairs throughout the colonial times and the empire.

today, the square is a cultural hub, filled with historical architecture, churches, cultural centers, restaurants, and bars - it is one of the oldest locations in rio, as it was built early in the development of the city, to be used as a landing place for those traveling to rio.

it was originally known as the largo do carmo, but having undergone a number of name changes over the years, the current name honors the day of proclamation of the republic on the 15th of November, which is also a national holiday.