Imagine stepping into a Parisian garden right here in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. This is Praça Paris. It is not just a square. It is a journey back to the Belle Époque.
In the early 20th century Rio aimed to mirror Paris. Urban projects embraced Parisian architectural styles. Praça Paris stands as a testament to this era. The square’s design is credited to French urban planner Alfred Agache. He was invited to Rio in 1927 to create a city plan.
Agache’s complete plan was never fully realized. It was considered too extravagant. Praça Paris was a part of this grand vision. It was grounded in reality. The square was built on an embankment near Glória Beach. The land came from the demolition of Morro do Castelo.
Praça Paris officially opened in 1929. It was during the tenure of Mayor Prado Junior. Originally it stretched from Rio Branco and Beira Mar avenues to Glória Street. Later it was shortened to make space for Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca Square.
The square’s design reflects classic French gardens. Think of the gardens of Versailles. You will notice geometric shapes and perfect symmetry in the gardens and paths. This style represents human dominance over nature. It seeks to create a nature that is more perfect.
Flowerbeds are geometrically defined. Bushes are shaped into precise forms. Lagoons, fountains and sculptures follow classical patterns. These patterns emphasize human organization of space.
Praça Paris features large lawns. There is a lake and a fountain. The fountain has sculptures. These elements create a symmetrical composition. The fountain was reopened in 2010 after seven years. Cracks were repaired. New pumps were installed. The central spout now reaches 15 meters.
Keep an eye out for the sculptures in Praça Paris. You will find statues representing the four seasons. These Carrara marble sculptures are based on those at Versailles. Also notice the feline statues. They are replicas of works by French sculptor François Auguste Hippolyte Peyrol.
The square also features monuments. One is dedicated to Adolfo Varnhagen. Another honors Admiral Barroso. His remains are at the base. You can also find busts of Alfredo Agache, Vera Janacópulos, Carmen Gomes, Clóvis Beviláqua and Affonso Celso.
During the construction of the subway Praça Paris was destroyed. It was restored in 1992. Railings were added to protect it. Today the square is popular for sports and walking. The dirt paths are ideal for running.
While Praça Paris offers beauty it can get hot. The square has few trees. However shady trees surround the square. Benches line these paths. Many people walk or jog here.
On the left side is a large monument to Admiral Barroso. In the background you can see the Igreja do Outeiro da Glória. On the right are gardens and a lake. The backdrop is the skyscrapers of downtown Rio de Janeiro.
Look around. See the old lampposts. They once lit up Avenida Central. Praça Paris is more than a park. It’s a piece of Paris in Rio. It is a reminder of a time when Rio dreamed of being the Paris of South America.