Arcos da Lapa - Carioca Aqueduct

The Arcos da Lapa, in Rio de Janeiro

The Arcos da Lapa, or Lapa Aqueduct, is an emblem of Rio de Janeiro, an old aqueduct of the eighteenth century become a symbol of the town. The Rio de Janeiro audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this majestic monument with great white arches, heart of the festive district of Lapa.

The colonial aqueduct become a symbol of Rio

You arrive in front of the famous Arcos da Lapa, emblem of the district and become another symbol of Rio, in the same way as the Corcovado, Copacabana or the Selarón Staircase. This aqueduct was built in the eighteenth century, between 1725 and 1744, in order to supply the town with drinking water, conveyed from the springs of the neighbouring forest. This imposing structure of stone, painted in white, deploys a double row of great majestic arches that span the district over an impressive length, a spectacular vestige of the genius of the engineers of the colonial era. When the aqueduct ceased to fulfil its primary function in the nineteenth century, it was ingeniously reconverted: since then, it is a tramway, the famous bonde of Santa Teresa, that circulates on its top, linking the centre to the picturesque perched district of Santa Teresa. The Arcos da Lapa today dominate one of the most lively and festive districts of Rio, a high place of nightlife, music and feast. An emblematic monument and a symbol of the town, the Arcos da Lapa is a must-see stop of the discovery of Rio de Janeiro.

What to see

You admire the imposing aqueduct built between 1725 and 1744 to supply the town with water, a structure of white stone deploying a double row of great majestic arches, a spectacular vestige of the colonial era become a symbol of Rio; reconverted, it today carries on its top the famous bonde tramway of Santa Teresa, and dominates one of the most festive districts of the town. The Arcos da Lapa is an emblem of Rio. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Arcos da Lapa lies in the district of Lapa, in the centre of Rio de Janeiro, reachable on foot and by public transport. It is an open-air monument, freely accessible; the Santa Teresa tramway circulates on its top according to its own hours. The district is very lively in the evening; the usual vigilance is required.

What is the Arcos da Lapa in Rio de Janeiro?

An old aqueduct built between 1725 and 1744 to supply the town with water, an imposing structure of white stone with a double row of great arches, become an emblem of Rio in the same way as the Corcovado; reconverted, it today carries on its top the famous bonde tramway of Santa Teresa and dominates the festive district of Lapa.

Where is the Arcos da Lapa in Rio de Janeiro?

In the district of Lapa, in the centre of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil.