Rio de Janeiro is not only the second major city in Brazil. It used to be the capital between 1763 and 1960. That’s the period during which the state was created.

Rio was founded by colonists who came to this land from Portugal in the middle of the 16th century.

1. Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)

You must have seen the pictures of the legendary statue. This giant is overlooks Rio from Corcovado. The site is also known as Sugar Loaf due to its distinct shape. The statue of Christ was created in 1922-1931. It was built thanks to the financial support that came from Brazilian Catholics.

2. Copacabana

Copacabana Fort was created in 1914. In 1922 there was a revolt of officers. The fort was taken over and used for artillery. The revolt lasted one day only – the authorities bombarded the fort from battleships. Want some more history? Then attend Museum of the History of the Army located on the site. Outside the museum there’re artillery pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries. You can learn a lot about the area’s events from what you’ll see there.