Tell about Rio De Janeiro ?

Portuguese though were not the only Europeans that had their interest on Rio. Also the French had their foothold on the city all the way until 1567, when the Portuguese succeeded to expose the French, and Rio de Janeiro was officially founded.

During 17th century also the first churches were built. But something significant happened the end of 17th century and changged Brazil’s and Rio’s history. The Portuguese discovered gold in Minas Gerais, which is Rio’s neighbor state.

To talk about Rio’s history, we also need to talk about the history of the Brazilian Empire. Napoleon was on power in early 19th century in Europe, and started to invade and conquer many neighbor countries. One of the few countries Napoleon wasn’t able to conquest was England. So, 1807 he decided to force a commercial blockade on all European countries: it was forbidden to sell or buy anything from the UK.

The Portuguese Royal family decided nothing less but to escape. They left Europe behind, and embarked from Lisbon towards Rio de Janeiro in November 1807. Navies full of books, art and important archives from Portuguese society. Between 10 000 to 15 000 Portuguese high society people disembarked to Rio in the beginning of 1808. This was one of the biggest economic growths of the history of Rio de Janeiro.

Principe Dom João VI stayed in Brazil for 13 long years, before returning to Portugal in 1821. Main motives for him to back was the big pressure from the Portuguese population, that was basically abandoned in 1808. Portugal was a country in deep problems, full of revolutions and separate movements. Dom João moved back to Europe and left his son Pedro I as the regent prince of Brazil.

Two days later of proclamation of Republic, the Imperial Family left Brazil and travelled to Europe. This was when one very important moment of Brazilian history happenned: Brazil got its first president, an army man Deodoro da Fonseca. Brazil becoming a Republic was a cause of a strong military movement. Slavery was abolished just a year earlier, in 1888 and huge part of the ex-slaved joined the army.

Today Rio is known for beaches, Christ the Redeemer, Carnival, heating sun & welcoming people! But behind all this, is a long and rich history that perfectly explains the city and it’s habitants.

For us, in Free Walker, Rio is one of the most diverse cities in the planet. The rich and the poor live right by side of each other. When you go to the beach, you will find people from all social classes, and from all over the world. Rio is also a home for two biggest urban forests of the world. If you get tired of the busy city life, just hop into bus and in 30 minutes you’re in the middle of the Atlantic Rainforest spotting for wildlife!