Passeio Público, Urban park in Lapa district, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Passeio Público is an urban park in Rio de Janeiro's city center featuring symmetrical pathways, decorated fountains, and granite structures with Portuguese Lioz stone. Bronze caimans and sculptured elements are positioned throughout the grounds, creating an open green space with defined design features.
The park was commissioned in 1779 and completed by Master Valentim in 1783 after the Lagoa do Boqueirão lagoon was filled in. This project transformed a polluted water area into public green space during the colonial period of Rio de Janeiro.
The entrance gate displays Rococo styling with portraits of Queen Maria I and King Pedro III of Portugal, reflecting the Portuguese colonial period. Throughout the park, visitors notice inscriptions and details that mark this European heritage in Rio's urban center.
The park is located in the city center near Lapa Arches and opens daily to visitors. Benches under trees provide shade throughout the year, making it a comfortable place to rest.
The Fonte dos Amores features two separate fountains decorated with bronze caimans, representing an early example of Brazilian urban sculpture. This artistic choice to depict local wildlife was uncommon for its time and shows the creative vision behind the park's design.
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