“Swamp, swamp everywhere,” they used to say about this land. We are at Campo de Santana. Today, it is a park in downtown Rio de Janeiro. But its story began in a rather soggy fashion.
Campo de Santana, also known as Praça da República, is more than just a green space. Its name connects it to a key moment. Here, near this very spot, Brazil was declared a republic in 1889.
Back in colonial times, this area was not the park we see today. It was a swamp. Over time, the swamp was filled. The area became a public space. It was first called “Campo da Cidade” or “Campo de São Domingos”. It separated downtown Rio from the rural lands.
In 1753, the name changed to “Campo de Santana”. A church dedicated to Santana stood nearby. It drew many worshippers. But the church was torn down in 1854. In its place, Brazil’s first urban railroad station arose. It was named Dom Pedro II Station. Later, the Central do Brasil station was built on the same site.
Important buildings rose around Campo de Santana. The Palácio do Conde dos Arcos served as Brazil’s Senate for a century. Today, it houses the law school of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian Mint building, now the National Archive, also found its home here. The Army Command building, City Hall, and other important institutions joined them.
Campo de Santana has witnessed major historical events. Emperor Dom Pedro I was hailed here in 1822. The Republic was proclaimed. Protests during the Vaccine Revolt also took place here in 1904.
In 1942, Avenida Presidente Vargas was built. This split the plaza in two. On one side stands the Palácio Duque de Caxias. It houses the Brazilian Military Command building. The Panteão Duque de Caxias also stands there. The gardens of Campo de Santana occupy the other side. These gardens began in 1873. French landscaper Auguste François Marie Glaziou completed them in 1880.
Many animals call Campo de Santana home. You might spot agoutis, cats, ducks, and peacocks. Did you know that bullfights were once held here? They were popular until they were banned in 1907.
Campo de Santana is bordered by several streets. These include Rua da Alfândega and Avenida Presidente Vargas. In 1968, the park was protected. The Instituto Estadual do Patrimônio Cultural recognized its importance. In 2012, the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage also vowed to maintain the park.
Campo de Santana holds many monuments. They honor figures like Benjamin Constant and Vicente Celestino. There are also monuments to the seasons.
Look around at the statues. Notice “Winter”. It is an old man huddled against the cold. “Spring” is a woman holding flowers with a smile. These sculptures add to the park’s beauty. Campo de Santana, a place of history, nature, and art, remains a vital part of Rio de Janeiro.