Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Lapa Arches / Arcos da Lapa

The Carioca Aqueduct was built in the middle of the 18th century to bring fresh water from the Carioca River to the population of the city. It is an impressive example of colonial architecture and engineering. The segment of the aqueduct, made of stone and mortar, spans 270 meters and consists of two storeys of monumental arches – 42 in total – with a maximum height of 17, 6 meters. It is located in the centre of the city, in the Lapa's neighborhood and is called “Arcos da Lapa” (Lapa Arches) by Brazilian people. Since the end of the 19th century, after its deactivation, the aqueduct serves as a bridge for a popular tram that connects the city centre with the Santa Teresa's neighborhood uphill. The picturesque ride is popular among locals and tourists alike. In the 1960s, several houses that had been built near the aqueduct were demolished, improving the visual impact of the monument. Nowadays the arches are being totally restored, but maintaining its original characteristics.

O Aqueduto da Carioca foi construído em meados do século XVIII com o propósito de abastecer a população da cidade com a água vinda do Rio Carioca. É um exemplo grandioso de arquitetura e engenharia da época colonial. A estrutura, feita de pedra e argamassa, mede 270m de comprimento por 17,6m de altura e possui 42 arcos no total. Os Arcos da Lapa, como o aqueduto é denominado atualmente, estão localizados no centro da cidade e, desde a sua desativação, no final do século XIX, têm servido como linha para o famoso bondinho de Santa Teresa, bairro pitoresco que fica numa colina, nas redondezas. Esse passeio de bondinho é bastante apreciado, tanto por turistas, quanto pelos Cariocas. Em 1960, muitas casas foram demolidas para melhorar o entorno do monumento. Atualmente os arcos estão sendo totalmente restaurados, mas mantendo as suas características originais.



6 comments:

Johnny Madrid aka Tim E. said...

God, what a fool am i. I forgot how beautiful these pictures were. Gotta hold on to that dream. Someday i'll go to Rio...

Vania Moreira said...

Tim my dear, you’re back!!! Where have you been? I miss you, don’t disappear for sooooooo long again, huum! So, enjoy the beautiful pics of my beloved city. And yes, let your dream bring you to Rio soon, I’ll be glad to have you as guest! For a while, welcome back!

robert said...

I'm not a fan of old building and architecture, but your aqueduct looks to be something special.

Night ptotos are great!

Vania Moreira said...

Really Robert?! I love old stuff! I think that's because we don't have much old buildings and constructions in my country, 'cause we are too young for it. So, when I travel to Europe, for example, I enjoy museums, cathedrals, churches, fortress, castles… I transport myself to those old times…the medieval times! But about my aqueduct, yes, it’s special because it’s near a very bohemian and agreeable neighborhood called LAPA! This place is full of bars, restaurants and night life, and I'm quite sure that you would love it! Wait for my next posts, my friend... ;o)

Daniele Dallavecchia said...

Bom dia, Vania querida! Teu blog é um COLÍRIO para os meus olhos!!! Estas fotos da Lapa estão lindíssimas!!! Parabéns por esse Show de bom gosto e amor ao Rio!

beijos e tenha um lindo dia!

Vania Moreira said...

Oi Daniele, obrigada! Você sabe que a Lapa e as suas adjacências estão ficando um luxo? Domingo estive lá para ver o balé do Grupo Corpo, no Municipal, e olha, tá tudo lindo, bem iluminado e seguro. O Teatro, que já era lindo, agora está d-e-s-l-u-m-b-r-a-n-t-e! Aguarde, em breve um post só pra ele!
Bjs e apareça sempre que der!