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Niterói, Brazil - Tourism
Located just thirteen kilometers across the Guanabara Bay from Rio, a visit to Niterói is well worthwhile for the magnificent views that it offers of the main landmarks of Rio de Janeiro. However, this peaceful town also has far more to offer.
Its beaches provide enchanting glimpses of natural beauty, with Praia de Itacoatiara being the best example. A little way out of town, it is thronged with surfers, and not only during championships. Facing the ocean, Praia de Piratininga beach is also noteworthy for its natural beauty.
In addition to its white-sand beaches, a leading landmark of Niterói is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC). This building bears the unmistakable signature of Oscar Niemeyer, with its rounded shapes designed to interact with its surroundings. Built on the Mirante de Boa Viagem look-out point, it seems to float over the Guanabara Bay, particularly because of the reflecting pool at its base, which blends into the sea.
What to see:
Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)
Located on the Mirante da Boa Viagem look-out point, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer. [+]
Rated as a don't-miss attraction for visitors, in addition to a permanent collection, this Museum also features a steady stream of temporary exhibitions.
Antônio Parreira Museum
Inaugurated in 1942, this was the first museum in Brazil to specialize in a single artist: painter Antônio Parreiras. [+]
It is housed in his former home, which has now been listed by the National Artistic and Historical Heritage Institute (IPHAN).
Beaches
A coastal city.[+]
The beaches of Niterói facing the Guanabara Bay include Gragoatá, Boa Viagem, Flexas, Icaraí, São Francisco, Charitas, Jurujuba and Adão e Eva, while Piratininga, Sossego, Camboinhas, Itaipu and Itacoatiara face the open ocean.
Forts and Fortresses
Brazil's second largest complex of forts and fortresses is located in Niterói.[+]
Built to defend the Guanabara Bay in 1555, the Fortaleza de Santa Cruz fortress in Jurujuba played an important part at crucial moments in the history of Brazil, preventing invasions by French and Dutch marauders. Today, this fortress still bears the marks of its past, and its memories, including cannons, cells, torture chambers and a chapel dedicated to Santa Bárbara that can be admired during excursions, with massive walls pockmarked by bullets. Other buildings in Niterói also helped protect Brazil in the course of its history, including forts such as Boa Viagem, Gragoatá, Imbuí, Barão do Rio Branco, Pico and São Luiz.
City Park
At an altitude of 270m atop the Morro da Viração hill in São Francisco, the Parque da Cidade city park opened in 1976, and is now an environmental preservation area.[+]
Its look-out point offers panoramic views over many neighborhoods in Niterói, as well as the beaches and the Guanabara Bay. It also has two take-off ramps for hang-gliders.
Catedral de São João Batista cathedral
In downtown Nitéroi, the Catedral de São João Batista was consecrated as a cathedral in 1908. In colonial style, it has two bell towers.
