Açude da Solidão

Lost in the Tijuca National Park lies a tranquil oasis, the Açudeda Solidão. A quiet sadness hangs in the air here, a lingering echo of a Baron’s grief. The Baron of Bom Retiro, once a man of jovial spirit, sought solace by these waters after the tragic loss of his son in the Paraguayan War. The name “Açudeda Solidão,” meaning “Reservoir of Solitude,” reflects the Baron’s retreat into this secluded sanctuary within the forest. Açudeda Solidão, however, wasn’t always a place of quiet contemplation. Before the Baron’s sorrow marked the land, before even the coffee growers claimed this area of the forest, the Açudeda Solidão was a muddy wallow. Known then as “Lagoa dos Porcos,” or “Pig’s Lagoon,” it was frequented by wild pigs drawn to its murky waters. Imagine these creatures, rooting and snorting, transforming the landscape into a muddy haven. This image is a far cry from the serene beauty we find at Açudeda Solidão today. The transformation is largely thanks to Roberto Burle Marx, a renowned landscape architect. During the administration of Castro Maya, Burle Marx worked his magic, shaping the Açudeda Solidão into the picturesque retreat we see before us. He added an elegant portal and incorporated the old gates from Campo de Santana, salvaged when Avenida Presidente Vargas was constructed. These gates, witnesses to Rio’s ever-evolving urban landscape, found a new home, adding a touch of history to this serene spot. So, as you stand by the Açudeda Solidão, remember the layers of history that lie beneath the tranquil surface. From a pig’s wallow to a Baron’s refuge, to the artistic touch of Burle Marx, this quiet reservoir holds tales of loss, transformation, and enduring beauty.