Did you know that Barra de Guaratiba’s history stretches back to 1579? It all began when Manoel Velloso Espinha requested land from the Portuguese Crown. He was rewarded for fighting alongside Estácio de Sá against the Tamoios.
Barra de Guaratiba is now a charming neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro’s West Zone. It borders Guaratiba, Vargem Grande, Recreio dos Bandeirantes and Grumari. Imagine this place back in 1579. The request included land north of Marambaia Island. It also included Guaratiba-Aitinga Island which is now Barra de Guaratiba. The donation came with a condition. Espinha had to populate the lands within three years.
Fast forward to 1750 Dom Fradique de Quevedo Rondon then donated part of the land to the Church of São Salvador do Mundo. Almir de Carvalho suggested French invaders landed here in 1710. Corsair Duclerc realized he could not breach Santa Cruz Fortress. He sought an alternative route into Guanabara Bay.
The area also served as a hub for the 18th-century slave trade. José Joaquim de Souza Breves used Marambaia Island as a port. This was for disembarking enslaved people. Today Barra de Guaratiba is known for its seafood restaurants. Some large rural properties remain along the access road. These mix with newer developments.
In the 1960s and 70s Barra de Guaratiba became a haven for famous cariocas. They sought tranquility away from the city. Landscape artist Burle Marx was one such resident. He donated his estate to the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute. Wanderléa was another fan of Barra de Guaratiba’s peace.
Barra de Guaratiba also served as the location for the children’s series Sítio do Pica-Pau Amarelo from 1977 to 1986. A special set was built for the show. It included a house, corral and Burle Marx gardens. You can still visit the restored site today.
The Roberto Burle Marx Site is another key attraction. It features a rich botanical collection. You will find many art pieces by Marx and others.
The Grota Funda Tunnel opened in 2012 improving access to the area. Barra de Guaratiba covers 944.20 hectares. It had 3,577 residents in 2010. The neighborhood has access to Sepetiba Bay.
Barra de Guaratiba Beach offers calm waters. It has seafood restaurants and an urbanized hill. Locals call it “praia do oi”. Many people meet acquaintances there.
The Barra de Guaratiba coastline borders Restinga da Marambaia. This area is under the Brazilian Navy’s protection.