Copacabana Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world. Everyone wants to visit her and everyone falls in love with her. But that wasn't always the case. In the 19th century, people used to see Copacabana in a very inhospitable and unhealthy area, and the only group of people living here were fishermen with their families.
In 1892, the government built a tunnel (now known as the Alaor Prata Tunnel) that connected Copacabana to downtown Rio de Janeiro. In the first years of the 20th century, a tram line was built that connected the beach with the city's neighborhoods. This was the time when people began to visit the southern part of Rio, admiring the white sand, the blue water, embracing the cold breeze and the incredible weather of Copacabana beach.
Copacabana Promenade
This is the most famous promenade in the world and was built in 1906 by Mayor Pereira Passos. He also had the idea that the design of the promenade be inspired by Plaza Rocio in Lisbon. In fact, all the stones used to build the promenade come from Portugal. The design in black and white stones was originally perpendicular to the sea, years later it was modified by the administration of Mayor Paula de Frontin, so that the renovation of the promenade led to the wavy model that everyone knows today.
The golden sand of Copacabana Beach
The huge strip of sand that borders the beach is not the result of a natural process. In the 70's there was a major renovation of the area which included a massive recovery of land, which led to the enlargement of the beach. The increase of the beach was a good thing not only for the tourist, but in this way the authorities managed to better organize the sewerage system and to control the floods.
Monument to Carlos Drummond de Andrade
Carlos Drummond de Andrade was a famous Brazilian poet and writer. His statue, located on Copacabana Beach, pays homage to the artist and is a landmark in Rio de Janeiro. The bronze monument depicts Drummond sitting on a bench overlooking people passing by on the crowded boulevard in front of him. The statue is the place where thousands of tourists take pictures every day.
New Year's Eve on Copacabana Beach
Over 2 million people spend every new year on Copacabana Beach, every year. What makes this event so famous are the free concerts at night, the spectacular fireworks and the great atmosphere. Several screens are spread all over the beach, so that everyone present can watch the shows and celebrate life.
Join us for a real-time virtual tour of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro! We will talk to a local guide, who will show us the most beautiful places and tell us interesting things and facts about this famous place in the world and its lifestyle. Discover what life is like for the locals here and, why not, get ready for a future vacation here.
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