The Rio Botanical Garden is hosting a guided tour highlighting the milestones of its 200-year history

In the month marking its 218th anniversary, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden invites the public to explore its history through the Heritage Trail, a highlight of the “Friday Trails” program throughout June. The guided tour showcases some of the institution’s main monuments and archaeological sites, whose architectural and landscape ensemble is listed by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN).

The tours take place on June 5, 12, 19, and 26, with departures at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., led by the Visitor Center staff.

The itinerary begins at the current Visitor Center, housed in the oldest building still preserved in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone. Built in 1576, the building housed the headquarters of the Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Lagoa sugar mill, a property that encompassed areas corresponding today to the neighborhoods of Lagoa, Jardim Botânico, Ipanema, Leblon, Gávea, and part of Copacabana, in addition to the region currently occupied by Tijuca National Park. It was there that Rodrigo de Freitas lived, the owner of the sugar mill that gave the lagoon its name.

Along the route, participants also visit, among other sites, the House of Pillars Archaeological Site Museum, a former production facility of the Royal Gunpowder Factory established by King João in 1808, as well as the entrance to the former Academy of Fine Arts. The structure was part of the Royal School of Fine Arts, designed by the French architect Grandjean de Montigny, a member of the French Artistic Mission that arrived in Brazil in 1816 to contribute to the development of the arts and sciences in the country.

The Friday Trails are free and do not require prior registration. Participants need only purchase an admission ticket to the arboretum. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or online at jbrj.eleventickets.com

Event Details – Free Guided Heritage Trail

Dates: Fridays, June 5, 12, 19, and 26

Time: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Meeting point: Visitor Center

Rua Jardim Botânico, 1008

Phone: (21) 3874-1808

Admission prices

Visitors residing in Brazil: R$ 40.00 (full price) and R$ 20.00 (half price)

Foreign visitors: R$ 80.00

Children 5 and under are free. Residents of Brazil over 60 years of age, people with disabilities, students, and others are eligible for half-price admission and pay R$ 20.00.

Payment at the ticket office is accepted in cash and via Pix only. Online tickets are available at jbrj.eleventickets.com by Pix or credit card.