Rio Branco Avenue

The Rio Branco Avenue, in Rio de Janeiro

The Rio Branco Avenue is the great historic artery of the centre of Rio de Janeiro, a major axis born at the beginning of the twentieth century. The Rio de Janeiro audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this emblematic boulevard, a witness of the great modernisation of the town in the Belle Époque.

The former Avenida Central

You now go up the Avenida Rio Branco, the avenue of the white river. Formerly called Avenida Central, this wide artery was opened at the beginning of the twentieth century, during the great urban reform that radically transformed the centre of Rio. At that time, the town, then capital of Brazil, wanted to modernise in the image of Paris and the great European capitals: old and unhealthy districts were demolished, wide avenues were traced and sumptuous buildings were raised. The Avenida Central was the symbol of this ambition, lined with elegant and prestigious buildings, becoming the great artery of the Carioca modernity and elegance. Renamed later Avenida Rio Branco in honour of the Baron of Rio Branco, a great Brazilian diplomat, it remains today one of the major axes of the business centre. If the modern skyscrapers have replaced a part of the original buildings, you still admire there fine witnesses of the Belle Époque, like the Municipal Theatre and the National Library, that line it. A historic artery and an axis of modernity, the Rio Branco Avenue is a fine stop of the discovery of Rio de Janeiro.

What to see

Here you go up the great historic artery of the centre, former Avenida Central opened at the beginning of the twentieth century during the urban reform that modernised Rio in the image of Paris, symbol of the Carioca elegance, renamed in honour of the Baron of Rio Branco; lined today with skyscrapers, it keeps fine witnesses of the Belle Époque like the Municipal Theatre and the National Library. The Rio Branco Avenue is a major axis of Rio. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Rio Branco Avenue crosses the centre of Rio de Janeiro, reachable on foot and by metro. It is a public artery freely accessible, very lively during the day in the business district. You discover it by strolling along its buildings, between modern skyscrapers and witnesses of the Belle Époque.

What was the former name of the Rio Branco Avenue in Rio de Janeiro?

Avenida Central: this wide artery was opened at the beginning of the twentieth century during the great urban reform that modernised the centre of Rio in the image of Paris, becoming the symbol of the Carioca elegance, before being renamed Avenida Rio Branco in honour of the Baron of Rio Branco, a great Brazilian diplomat.

Where is the Rio Branco Avenue in Rio de Janeiro?

In the centre of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil.