Campo de Santana, Public park in Centro district, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Campo de Santana is a large park in downtown Rio with rolling grass, mature trees, and several artificial lakes throughout. The grounds feature waterfalls and fountains spread across the entire area.
The grounds took shape in the 1870s as a landscaped garden and witnessed key moments in Brazilian history. It was here that the nation declared itself a republic in 1889 and where the Emperor was acclaimed in 1822.
The grounds take their name from a saint and long served as a gathering place for those living in the city's heart. Today you see people strolling under the trees and resting by the water's edge, while birds and waterfowl inhabit the ponds.
The park sits in the heart of Rio and is easy to reach on foot, with wide paths for exploring. Visitors are best served arriving early in the day to enjoy the quiet and get closer to the wild animals.
The grounds house an unexpected array of wildlife, including capybaras, wild ducks, and peacocks that roam freely between the artificial lakes. These animals grow so accustomed to people that they often approach close enough for photographs.
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