Recall the Hollywood film “The Garden of Allah”? Well, this park is named after it. The Jardim de Alah offers a serene escape. It divides Ipanema from Leblon in Rio de Janeiro. It is named after the 1936 film starring Marlene Dietrich and Charles Boyer.
Visiting the Jardim de Alah gives you a break. Escape the bustle of the city and Ipanema Beach.
The Jardim de Alah runs along a canal. This canal joins the lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean. Docks line the canal. They were originally for gondolas. People used to rent paddle boats here. They glided up and down the canal in the 1950s and 1960s. The garden’s design is French inspired. You will see romantic bowers and secluded spots.
If you want more than sun and relaxation, explore the monuments. There is an obelisk. It celebrates a victory in the Battle of Richuelo. See a bust of Marshal Eurico Gaspar Dutra. Find two sculptures named “Protection” and “Woman and Cat”. Walk towards the beach end of the canal. Look closely. Dates and names related to the canal’s construction are carved in stone.
The canal itself has an interesting past. It was built in the early 1920s. Mayor Carlos Sampaio aimed to renew the lagoon’s water. This made it healthier. It also helped reduce flooding. A stone near the beach displays the year 1922. It also shows President Epitácio Pessoa, Mayor Carlos Sampaio and Engineer Saturnino de Brito.
The Jardim de Alah officially opened in 1938. Alfredo Agache designed it. His inspiration came from Art Deco. The park’s name came from the film “The Garden of Allah”. It was a box office hit at the time.
Did you know that the Jardim de Alah is pet friendly? You will likely see dog owners walking their pets here. Film crews often use the gardens for shoots. Joggers and cyclists also enjoy the space.
A metro station is now located inside the Jardim de Alah. It makes accessing the garden even easier.
The Jardim de Alah offers beauty and tranquility. Take time to visit this established garden. Relax and enjoy nature. It is a perfect spot for a peaceful time out.