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Guides for the Business Traveler
Rio De Janeiro (2006)
4 hours in Rio De Janeiro (2006)
Take a taxi tour of Rio’s unmissable sights, from ancient monasteries to space-age architecture and Carmen Miranda. Michael Luongo experiences five centuries of history in four hours.
 | The Copacabana Palace Hotel Opened in 1923, this is the hotel that put Rio on the map. At Avenida Atlântica 1702 (tel. 55-21-2548-7070) overlooking Copacabana beach, it's a great place to stop for a quick afternoon snack at the poolside café. You can either watch the many beachgoers, jogging, swimming and playing volleyball, or turn and face the pool for more tranquillity. Walk upstairs to the lobby ballroom for a great view of the ocean, while along the walls are pictures of the hotel's glorious past patrons, from British royalty, to Hollywood stars. |  | Carmen Miranda Museum This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Brazil's most famous icon, whose singing and dancing in wild costumes made her the delight of Technicolor Hollywood productions. Take a taxi to the Carmen Miranda Museum in Flamengo Park, and you'll see her original outfits—many of which have been restored for the anniversary. You'll also see an exhibition of material donated by the estate of Alberto Barreto, a Rio native who relocated to Chicago and had the largest private collection of Miranda memorabilia in the world. Carmen's beaming smile has also been brought to life by artist Ulysses Rabelo in special busts created for the celebrations. The museum is on Avenida Rui Barbosa and is open Tuesday–Friday 11 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday 2 p.m.–5 p.m; tel. 55-21-2299-5586.
|  | Theatro Municipal Take a cab downtown to the remarkable Theatro Municipal on Floriano Square off Rio Branco (tel. 55-21-2299-1717). Rio aimed to be the Paris of the tropics and, judging by this building, was successful. In a part of down-town called "Cinelândia" for its concentration of old theaters, this masterpiece—made of bronze, marble and stained glass—stands out. Tours take you through the lobby, main theater and some of the practice rooms. From the upper lobby balcony, there's an outstanding view of Sugarloaf Mountain, framed by the plaza out front and surrounding buildings, proving (as if you needed more proof) that few cities in the world match Rio's spectacular natural setting. |  | São Sebastião Cathedral Visiting this futuristic building on Avenida Republica de Chile, you might wonder if you've entered a spaceship rather than a cathedral. Confusingly, it also goes by the names Nova Catedral and Catedral Metropolitana, depending on your guidebook, but ask for the teepee-shaped church and you can't go wrong. Built between 1964 and 1976, it's an impressive piece of modern architecture, which might not be to all tastes. Wander inside where, on a bright day, the interior possesses a marvelous, moody light from the reflections cast by the stained glass windows. |  | São Bento Monastery High on a cliff overlooking downtown is this wonderful creation from Rio's colonial-Portuguese past. São Bento Monastery was founded in 1590 by a group of Benedictine monks who were invited over from Salvador—then the capital of Brazil. The current building was built in 1617, with additions made over the next 100 years. Don't miss the main church, Nossa Senhora de Monserrat, decorated with an ornate Baroque interior and smothered in gold leaves. It was added in 1717 and has been restored to its ancient glory. Though a monastery is a man's retreat, the majority of the restorers were women. |
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