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Parque das Ruínas: A Glimpse into Rio's Belle Époque

Explore the ruins of a Belle Époque mansion with panoramic views and vibrant cultural events in Rio's charming Santa Teresa neighborhood.

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Parque das Ruínas, nestled in the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and panoramic views. Built around the ruins of a mansion that once belonged to art patron Laurinda Santos Lobo, it's now a vibrant public park and cultural center hosting art exhibitions, performances, and events.

A brief summary to Parque das Ruínas

  • R. Murtinho Nobre, 169, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa, State of Rio de Janeiro, 20241-050, BR

Local tips

  • Visit on weekends for special programming for kids and a great breakfast served by the local coffee shop.
  • Check the park's Facebook page for the latest schedule of events, including live music, theater performances, and art exhibitions.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Chácara do Céu Museum, another impressive mansion with a lush garden.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings in Santa Teresa, especially on empty streets, and take extra care at night.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Largo do Guimarães, a central point in Santa Teresa, Parque das Ruínas is a short uphill walk. Head north on Rua Murtinho Nobre. The park will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. Note that Santa Teresa is known for its hills, so expect some incline.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Rio, take the Santa Teresa Tram (Bonde de Santa Teresa). The tram departs from Estação Carioca near the Carioca Metro station. Get off at a stop in Santa Teresa and walk to the Parque das Ruínas. Tram tickets cost R$20 per person for a single ride. Alternatively, several bus lines connect downtown Rio to Santa Teresa. From the bus stop, follow the walking directions above. Bus fare is approximately R$4.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Rio de Janeiro. A taxi from the city center to Parque das Ruínas in Santa Teresa will cost approximately R$40. Be sure to confirm the fare or use a ride-sharing app for a fixed price. From Santos Dumont Airport, a taxi to Santa Teresa costs around R$40.

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Discover more about Parque das Ruínas

Parque das Ruínas, officially known as Centro Cultural Municipal Parque Glória Maria , is a captivating public park and cultural center set in the heart of Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro. The park's main feature is the preserved ruins of what was once a grand mansion, Palacete Murtinho Nobre, dating back to the late 19th century. This mansion was the residence of Laurinda Santos Lobo, a prominent figure of Rio's Belle Époque, who was known as the “marechala da elegância”. She hosted intellectuals, artists, and other influential people of the time, making her home a hub for modernism in Rio. After Laurinda's death in 1946, the mansion was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the 1990s, the city acquired the property and transformed the ruins into a unique cultural space. Architect Ernani Freire's award-winning design preserved the original brick structure while adding contemporary elements like glass and steel. This blend of old and new creates a striking visual contrast and allows visitors to explore the site's three floors safely. Today, Parque das Ruínas offers a variety of attractions. Visitors can explore art galleries, an auditorium, and an outdoor stage that hosts live concerts and theater performances. The park also has a café with a garden , providing a relaxing space to enjoy the scenery. The highlight for many is the panoramic viewpoint at the top of the ruins, offering stunning views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the city center. The park is free to enter and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in history, appreciate art, and enjoy the natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro.

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