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BSAG
is part of a set of mansions and houses that survived
the urban renewal efforts promoted by Mayor Pereira
Passos at the turn of the twentieth century, trying
to turn Rio into a metropolis, an impersonation of
Paris, Europe in the tropics!
The
idea was to make the residents of Lapa and the old
downtown move out to the suburbs, to make what was
thought to be a more ‘civilized’, ‘modern’
and ‘stylish’ city.
When
Brazil’s capital was moved to Brasília
in 1961, the formerly well-heeled districts of Glória
and Catete - naturally radiating out from the original
downtown, began to decay as their residents, largely
drawn from the federal administration, moved to the
new capital.
This
abandonment, however, was a blessing in disguise because
most of the stylish old houses and other buildings,
though becoming dilapidated, survived and are now
being restored, preserving an important part of Rio’s
history.
This
is a Rio of two-story houses, narrow hallways, high
ceilings and hardwood floors.
Ample
and ornate windows look out over cobblestone streets
that welcome visitors with rhythms and good cheer.
Leila barbosa
leila@baixosantadoaltogloria.com
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