PARQUE LAGE – A PALACE AND MANY SECRETS AT THE FOOT OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER
Rio de Janeiro is a city full of natural beauty and many imposing buildings. One is a small palace well known in Jardim Botânico, called Parque Lage. You were curious to know more about this amazing place, right? Keep reading this post and we’ll tell how to visit this tourist spot which offers activities options for everybody. Check out!
HISTORY OF PARQUE LAGE
The history of land occupation in this region took place in the mid-16th century. The governor of Rio de Janeiro at the time acquired the property and built a sugar mill in the city. From the nineteenth century, the place was the residence of nobles and aristocrats (the example of Rodrigo de Freitas Mello e Castro). Soon after the owner was Antonio Martins Lage and only in the middle of the twentieth century became a park open for visitation, our Parque Lage!
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE CITY
The place was recognized as Historical and Cultural Heritage of the City of Rio de Janeiro in 1957, for composing important historical memory of the city. The park has different environments between buildings and nature.
INFORMATION
Address: Rua Jardim Botânico 414 – Jardim Botânico
Working Hours: Everyday from 8 am to 5 pm.
Telephone: (21) 3257-1800/ (21) 3257-1840
Tickers: Free Entrance.
DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS OF LAGE PARK
The place has different spaces between buildings (19th century architectural styles) and nature, which builds a unique and eclectic atmosphere. That’s right, eclectic because it offers activities for all tastes (you’ll understand better)!
ROMAN PALACE
Parque Lage’s main building is undoubtedly the mansion in the eclectic Roman style. In fact, the big house was built in the 19th century, with central courtyard, swimming pool and terrace. The park is a fantastic place. For those who appreciate architecture and landscaping, the spaces follow styles and references. They were planned and built at different times. A treat!
CURIOSITY
Could you imagine that Parque Lage was the space of a great love story? YES! One of the owners, the businessman Henrique Lage, after acquiring the property decide to renovate and leave it magnificent for his wife (a famous Italian opera singer) Gabriela Besanzoni.
While the couple lived there, the parties were held around the pool and Gabriela delighted her guests, singing on the terrace of the building. The story is famous and so well known that this is one of the most visited spots by couples in love (works for dates too)!
PART OF TIJUCA FOREST
The park is located in an area of 52 hectares, right at the foot of Corcovado Hill. That’s why the area is also part of TIjuca Forest (with typical Atlantic Forest vegetation). For those who enjoy contact with nature, they can find in majestic imperial palm trees, lakes, artificial islands, caves and a designed aquarium.
PARQUE LAGE GARDENS
The majority of the park is made up of nature, being another large green area in the city. The space has some garden, that follow a romantic European style and were designed by English landscaper John Tyndale.
The front gardens are geometrical in French style, lawns and open fields, with fountain and benches around (in this garden you can see Christ the Redeemer). Already the side gardens follow the English style, and are composed of dense vegetation, with different types of plants and flowers, forming almost an enchanted forest.
The park accesses are organized between stone paths, alleys and a small bridge, all very picturesque.
EDUCATION AREA
VISUAL ARTS SCHOOL – EAV
Inside the Roman palace described above works nowadays the Visual Arts School (EAV). The school offers education for beginning artists, training courses, varied programming, exhibitions and lectures. All this for free! Very cool, isn’t it? The school also has a library and a small auditorium. Throughout the year the space hosts art and music events, including some that lasts all night!
WHAT TO DO IN PARQUE LAGE
WHAT TO EAT AT THE PARK?
Still in the central part of the house is a bistro option for those who wish to enjoy a coffee or a full meal in this magical place, with a choice of tables in the inner courtyard or outdoors. See more about Plage Café.
The cool thing is when events happen in space that you have the opportunity to taste it all from a very privileged place.
INFORMATION
Address: Rua Jardim Botânico, 414 – Parque Lage – Jardim Botânico – Rio de Janeiro
Telephone: (21) 2535-7336
Working Hours:From monday to thursday from 9 am to 7pm; From friday to sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
TIP
Although you can taste the delights of the bistro, if your money is a bit short on your visit, don’t worry! It’s allowed food in the park so you can prepare your snack and take it. Our recommendation is to opt for lighter snacks like sandwiches and fruit juices. 😊
PICNIC AT THE PARK
As we said before, enjoy that you can go inside with food and have a picnic with your friends or family and enjoy all the charms of Parque Lage. The park offers a space for those who desire to spend a nice afternoon with their snack and feeling the nature around, sitting on the grass.
WALKING IN THE PARK
In the park there is plenty of space for those wishing to take a quiet walk. It is even recommended for relaxing and breathing fresh air. After the picnic is a good choice, isn’t it?
CORCOVADO TRAIL
For the more adventurous and sporty, we have the option of trails in Parque Lage. That’s right, as we can see Christ the Redeemer is right above the park, both being in the Tijuca Forest.
There are paths that lead you straight to the summit of Corcovado Hill and many other points of the forest. This activity has a high difficulty level. The trail is located in the interior of the forest, so it is recommended that this activity be done in groups and with experienced and accredited guides, who should also know the place well.
TIP
For this activity: It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes, hat or cap, closed shoes (with non-slip soles), you should apply repellents and sunscreens, light food and constant hydration (drink plenty of water).
VISIT THE LAKE, BRIDGE AND DESIGNED AQUARIUM
As stated above, the park has some projected spaces that can be traveled quietly, with a lot of vegetation and even some animals. Among the charms of Parque Lage, an aquarium was built in the 19th century, with small species of seas from all over the world. Enjoy a sunny day and take this tour.
HOW TO GET TO PARQUE LAGE?
Parque Lage is located at Jardim Botânico neighborhood, and not only that, it is also next to the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. It is a very quiet and easily accessible neighborhood. Here are some options on how to get there.
WITH THE METRO
1 You should take the metro until BOTAFOGO Station (When purchasing the subway ticket, opt for the option of integration with the Metro on the Surface);
2 Once you leave BOTAFOGO Station, search the Metro on the Surface option, line BOTAFOGO x GÁVEA (this is the same option to go to the Botanical Garden).
WITH THE BUS
1 You should take a bus with the direction to Rua do Jardim Botânico;
2 Once you leave the bus, walk until the number 414 , where the Parque Lage is located.
HINT
1 If you don’t know where there’s a bus station close to Rua do Jardim Botânico, choose for an app like MOOVITor GOOGLE MAPS, they will give you information about the bus lines closer to you.
2 Other option is to take a taxi or Uber to get there.
Easy to reach, isn’t it? And saw how interesting? Will you miss out on one of the most charming spots in town? Enjoy to take several pictures!
