Unesco Postcards

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea

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Unesco description
The site consists of an exceptional urban setting encompassing the key natural elements that have shaped and inspired the development of the city: from the highest points of the Tijuca National Park’s mountains down to the sea. They also include the Botanical Gardens, established in 1808, Corcovado Mountain with its celebrated statue of Christ, and the hills around Guanabara Bay, including the extensive designed landscapes along Copacabana Bay which have contributed to the outdoor living culture of this spectacular city. Rio de Janeiro is also recognized for the artistic inspiration it has provided to musicians, landscapers and urbanists.

Partial list

  • Tijuca Forest, Pretos Forros and Covanca – Tijuca National Park
  • Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gávea – Tijuca National Park
  • Carioca Mountaion range – Tijuca National Park and Botanic Gardens
  • Mouth of Guanabara Bay and Manmade Shorelines – Flamengo Park, Historic Forts of Niterói, Sugar Loaf Natural Monument Copacabana Seafront

Received through Postcrossing on 03.12.2013
Copacabana beach is one of the most famous in the world. It was called Sacopenapa (way of the socos (a kind of bird) in the Tupi language) until the 18th century. It was renamed after the construction of a chapel holding a replica of the Virgen of Copacabana.

Another explanation of the name is that it is named after Kotakawana, the god of fertility in ancient Andean mythology.

Trivia:
A huge fireworks display is done on New Years Eve since 1976

​Marcia writes: ¨The beautiful Atlantica avenue with black and white Portuguese stones show a gorgeous mosaic in the shape of waves. This postscard shows Copacabana beach¨.

Received through Postcrossing on 03.12.2013
Corcovado (meaning hunchback) is a mountain west of the city and on top is the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Marcia writes: ¨Taking a walk through Rio de Janeiro is like entering in a postcard. The touristic spots are known over the whole world as well as its carnaval. This beautiful city reveals all its splendor in the natural beauty of its beaches¨.