Didn’t Snoop Dogg film a music video here? Welcome to Parque Lage. This public park sits at the foot of the Corcovado. Christ the Redeemer watches over us from above. Parque Lage boasts a rich history. It offers a blend of natural beauty and architectural sophistication.
Once, this land belonged to industrialist Henrique Lage. His wife was Gabriella Besanzoni. She was an Italian opera singer. In the 1920s, Lage had the mansion remodeled. He hired Italian architect Mario Vodret. Salvador Payols Sabaté created interior paintings.
In 1957, Parque Lage became a historical and cultural heritage site. The National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute made it official. In the 1960s, it transformed into a public park. Walking trails wind through subtropical forests.
Now, the former mansion houses the Visual Arts School of Parque Lage. There is also a café open to everyone. The British Olympic Team used the mansion as a hospitality house. Remember Snoop Dogg’s “Beautiful” music video? It featured this very mansion. The Black Eyed Peas also filmed here.
Parque Lage offers more than just a pretty building. It has natural beauty. You can see forests, imperial palm trees, and European-style gardens. Fountains and benches invite relaxation. The park combines nature with architecture.
The mansion’s courtyard is stunning. It features a decorative pool and a café. People love taking pictures here. Only smartphone cameras are allowed in the courtyard. The School of Visual Arts inspires creativity in this fitting location.
Parque Lage was once an old sugar mill. It holds traces of colonial Brazil’s history. The English landscaper John Tyndale designed the gardens in 1840. Romantic and European styles blend with the native Mata Atlântica forest.
You can admire imperial palm trees, rivers, and an artificial island. Caves dot the park. An inlaid aquarium displays many fishes. Families love Parque Lage, especially on weekends. The park offers toys and outdoor space for children. Picnics are common here.
The Visual Arts School offers free art education. They provide training courses for young people. An intense program features exhibitions and seminars. Lectures and video shows are also available. The school has a library and an auditorium for 150 people. Bistrô Plage offers organic food by the pool. Art and music events happen here every year.
If you are feeling adventurous, a trail leads to Corcovado. It’s a challenging hike. Be aware of reported robberies on the trail. Trem do Corcovado is a safer option.
Parque Lage is open daily. The art galleries are open from Monday to Sunday, but with shorter opening times on the weekend. The coffee shop is open daily.
To get here, take a bus or the metro. The park is located on Rua Jardim Botânico.
Visit the palace and art exhibitions. Stroll through the geometric front garden. Explore the side gardens and woodlands. Discover caves, lakes, and tanks. Admire the aquarium inside a cave. Enjoy breakfast at the coffee shop. Have a picnic in the green areas. Take beautiful pictures. Hike to Christ the Redeemer.
Parque Lage enchants everyone who visits. Its beauty and atmosphere create a memorable experience. It is a favorite place for people in love.