Stroll Cinelandia; a Parisian City Square in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The perfect place to start your tour of Rio de Janeiro, Cinelandia is located on the prestigous Avenida Rio Branco, the most sought after address in Rio. Known officially as the Praça Floriano, Cinelandia is a quaint square resembling a small Parisian city.

Lined with sidewalk cafes flanked by gorgeous towering buildings, Cinelandia is an architect’s dream, a combination of the Art Deco and Modern periods of the 1930’s and ’40’s coexisting in harmony with three of Rio’s most beautiful and historic buildings; the Theatre Municipal of Rio de Janeiro , the Fine Arts Museum and the National Library.

An extremely popular area, also known as the Centre, Cinelandia evolved in the early 1900’s when a man named Pereiro Passos created the Avenida Central, Rio’s first grand boulevard. Known today as the Avenida Rio Branco, the boulevard runs through the center of Rio’s financial district. Although most of the four-story structures erected at the time have been replaced with towering office buildings, Cinelandia or the Praca Floriano remains a beautiful city square, truly Parisian in design.

Cinelandia is anchored on the north by the Theatre Municipal of Rio de Janeiro. Modeled after the Paris Opera House and officially opened in 1909, the Teatro Municipal is an excellent example of the culture, extravagance and influence of Paris in the early 20th century. To the right and the left of the Teatro Muncipal are the Fine Arts Museum and the National Library.

The National Library houses a Guthenberg bible from 1462, the De Angelis Collection, the Empress Teresa Cristina’s Collection and a 1572 edition of Camões' As Luziadas. The library’s most majestic feature, however, is it’s grand entrance hall. Five floors high, the atrium is graced by staircases and is definetely worth the time it takes to visit. On the opposite side of the Teatro Municipal is the Fine Arts Museum. Inside, you’ll find some of the best art of Brazil. All three buildings in Cinelandia are open to tourists.

The Cinelandia makes for an excellent stroll either with or without a guide. Included on most tours offered in the city, the praca provides for beautiful photographs and a relaxing afternoon. After a stroll down the boulevard, all visitors are encouraged to lounge at any one of the many sidewalk cafes. Most consider it the only way to truly enjoy the view while absorbing the historical significance of the Parisian culture and it’s effect on the people of Brazil.