Marechal Hermes

Had anyone ever imagined a neighborhood built for workers, complete with hospitals, schools, and even a theater? Right here in Marechal Hermes, that dream became a reality. Marechal Hermes isn’t just another Rio neighborhood. It’s a planned community, one of the first in Brazil. Its story begins in the early 20th century, amidst rapid urbanization and a growing housing crisis. In 1913, President Hermes da Fonseca launched a project to create a model working-class village. This “Vila de Sapopemba,” as it was initially called, was meant to provide affordable housing with essential infrastructure. Marechal Hermes was designed with wide avenues and 1350 planned buildings, including hospitals and kindergartens. The military engineer, Palmyro Serra Pulcherio, also responsible for constructions in Deodoro and Vila Militar, spearheaded the project. Unfortunately, the project stalled after Fonseca left office. It wasn’t until the 1930s, during Getúlio Vargas’s era, that construction resumed. The houses were finally allocated to workers, many of whom were employed by the military in nearby Deodoro and Campo dos Afonsos. Marechal Hermes also boasts a rich history, evident in its architecture. The train station, inaugurated in 1913, is one of the oldest and most ornate in Rio, reflecting an English railroad model. It features an eclectic style, incorporating French tiles, German and Belgian wall tiles, and French cast iron arches. The station and the expanding railway network contributed significantly to Marechal Hermes’s growth, connecting it directly to Central do Brasil. Of the five planned squares, only 15 de Novembro Square and Montese Square were completed. Montese Square, located near the train station, is flanked by the post office and the cinema, both historically significant buildings. The cinema shares a wall with the Santos Drummont Municipal School. Originally meant to house soldiers during the village’s construction, it now stands as a testament to the neighborhood’s evolution. Its neoclassical design and ornate stucco decorations are a sight to behold. The Armando Gonzaga Theater, built in 1954, is another cultural gem. Designed by architect Affonso Eduardo Reidy, with gardens by Burle Marx and panels by Paulo Werneck, it hosts a variety of performances and offers community courses in theater, dance, and video. Marechal Hermes also houses Our Lady of Grace Parish, initially dedicated to Saint Paul and founded in 1920. And, significantly, the neighborhood has the oldest emergency unit in the state healthcare system, established in 1937. Today, this hospital offers a range of medical and surgical services. So, as you walk through the streets of Marechal Hermes, remember its unique history. It’s a story of ambitious planning, political setbacks, and eventual revival. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of a community built on the hopes of providing decent housing and a better life for its residents.