Praca do Republica, Rio de Janeiro

Praca do Republica, Rio de Janeiro

The Republic Square (Praca do Republica), located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, holds historical significance as the site where Brazil declared its independence from Portugal in 1889, marking the birth of the Republic of Brazil. Prior to this pivotal moment in history, the area was primarily a vast swamp during the colonial period.

In 1942, significant changes occurred in the square's layout with the construction of Avenida Presidente Vargas, resulting in its division into two distinct sections. One side of the square is now bordered by the Duque de Caxias Palace, serving as the headquarters of the Brazilian Army Command and hosting various military parades that showcase the country's military prowess. On the opposite side, we find Campo de Santana, a spacious public garden that was transformed and urbanized during the early 19th century.

Campo de Santana underwent a renovation process starting in 1873, culminating in its completion in 1880. This park boasts a rich ecosystem, housing a variety of animal species, including agouti, guinea-fowl, cats, ducks, and peacocks.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rio de Janeiro. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Praca do Republica on Map

Sight Name: Praca do Republica
Sight Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (See walking tours in Rio de Janeiro)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Create Your Own Walk in Rio de Janeiro

Create Your Own Walk in Rio de Janeiro

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rio de Janeiro is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rio's Top Religious Sites

Rio's Top Religious Sites

Due to the legacy of the Portuguese in language, religion, and law, Rio de Janeiro has had a rich and influential Catholic tradition. Until the mid-20th century almost all Brazilians were – at least nominally – Catholic, and today the country’s religious sites, both classic and modern, impress with their skill, creativity and devotion.

Founded in 1590 by Benedictine monks from Bahia, the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Rio de Janeiro Introduction Walking Tour

Rio de Janeiro Introduction Walking Tour

Rio de Janeiro is the capital city of the state of Rio de Janeiro. It was founded in 1565 by the Portuguese. It was the capital of the State of Brazil of the Portuguese Empire from 1763 until 1822.

When Brazil became independent of Portugal in 1822, Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Empire of Brazil. In 1889, Brazil became a republican nation, with Rio de Janeiro as its capital. But in...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Rio de Janeiro Beach Walk

Rio de Janeiro Beach Walk

The Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are two of the main reasons Rio is so famous around the world. While Copacabana is a year-round tourist hub, famed for its incredible New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Ipanema and Leblon neighborhoods have the cleanest, safest, most beautiful beaches in the city, and are the favorite playgrounds of Rio de Janeiro’s upper-middle class.

Start your tour with a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


16 Uniquely Brazilian Souvenirs to Bring Home from Rio de Janeiro

16 Uniquely Brazilian Souvenirs to Bring Home from Rio de Janeiro

Other than the sun, passion and football, for which Brazil is renowned and which cannot be fitted into one's luggage, picking a memorable gift from Rio is a tough job. And this is not because of the lack of suitable things to choose from, but because of their abundance. Indeed, there're...