Once known as Sacopenapã by the Tamoios Indians, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon has a story as captivating as its scenic views. This lagoon we are standing beside is more than just a body of water. It is a mirror reflecting the city’s history.
Initially, the Tamoios Indians dominated this area. They called it Piraguá, meaning Still Water. But the arrival of the Portuguese changed everything. Dr. Antônio Salema, a colonizer, sought to establish a sugar mill here. To rid the area of the native population, he used a cruel tactic. He spread clothes infected with smallpox hoping to decimate the Indians.
The sugar cane plantation led to the construction of the Engenho d’El-Rey. Today, this site houses the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Visitors’ Reception Center. The lagoon’s name changed several times. It was once Lagoa de Amorim Soares. This was after Amorim Soares, a town councilor, from whom Salema acquired the land. Later, it became Lagoa do Fagundes. This followed its sale to Sebastião Fagundes Varela.
In 1702, Petronilha Fagundes, a landowner’s great-granddaughter, married Rodrigo de Freitas de Carvalho. He was a young Portuguese cavalry official. This marriage ultimately gave the lagoon its current name. Rodrigo de Freitas returned to Portugal in 1717. He died there in 1748.
The region remained relatively unchanged until the Portuguese Royal Family arrived in 1808. The Prince Regent seized the Engenho da Lagoa. He built a powder factory. He also initiated the Real Horto Botânico. This later became the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro.
The 19th century saw attempts to address the issue of stagnant water. In 1922, a project aimed to clean up and beautify the capital. This was for the Independence Centennial festivities. It involved dredging a canal. This canal reconnected the lagoon to the sea. The dredged soil formed Caiçara Island.
Embankments gradually reduced the lagoon’s surface area. This created land for the Jockey Club Brasileiro and the Jardim de Alah. The dredged channel became known as the Jardim de Alah Channel. Today, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is a major tourist attraction.
It is also known as The Heart of Rio de Janeiro. The Lagoa neighborhood is named after it. This upper middle-class neighborhood has a high human development index. Part of the lagoon is landfill from the mid-20th century. Hills once surrounded the lagoon. They housed over fifty thousand people. However, these hills were demolished due to poor construction quality. The residents were relocated.
With 2.4 million square meters of surface area, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is perfect for aquatic sports. You can see people rowing and biking. The lagoon has a rowing stadium. A paved bike path stretches for 7.5 kilometers around it. Food kiosks offer regional and international cuisine.
Several important sports clubs are located by the lagoon. These include Clube de Regatas do Flamengo and Jôquei Clube Brasileiro. The lagoon is surrounded by the districts of Ipanema, Leblon, and Gávea. During Christmas, a gigantic Christmas Tree floats on the lagoon.
Unfortunately, the lagoon faces environmental challenges including pollution. Efforts are underway to depollute it. In the past, pollution has caused health problems for athletes. The rowing and sprint canoeing events of the 2016 Summer Olympics took place here.
As you stand here, take in the beauty. Remember the history. Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is a testament to Rio’s past and present.