Rio de Janiero - Part 2

Here is the 2nd part of my trip to Rio.

Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf is the famous 1300ft peak of granite the sits on the Rio waterfront. The trip up to the top is by cable car and starts near Prâia Vermilion (Red Beach). The first leg of the trip ascends to the top of the Morro de Urca.

Downtown Rio

Many visitors might not make to downtown Rio, but there are some really beautiful and interesting sights there. Walking around felt a lot like walking around the center of most modern cities. Crowds of office workers out for lunch. Modern office buildings. However there are some jewels here that are worth seeing.

One is the Municipal Theater:

Modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris, this is beautiful structure and home to many classical concerts, opera and film showings.

There is also the City Council building:

Also downtown is the old Cairoca Aqueduct:

The aqueduct was built in the early 18th century to bring water to Rio from the Carioca River. In the late1800's it became the roadbed for a tram from downtown Rio to the St.Theresa neighborhood. The tram has been shut down a fatal accident in 2011, but is set to reopen soon.

Sâo Sebastian Cathedral

No description of the center of Rio would be complete without the Sâo Sebastian Cathedral, know by locals as "The Volcano"

This maybe the ugliest church I have ever seen, and its history doesn't help. The Cathedral was built by the military dictatorship that ruled Brazil in the 60's, 70's and 80's. It's purpose, according to some, was to move the church away from the people.  It was paid for by a tax on the residents of Rio.

Inside there are 4 huge stained glass pieces that reach from just above the entrances to the top of the nave.