São Cristóvão

Neighborhood where lived the Emperor, now known by the Zoo, the National Museum, the old flag and the São Januário Stadium.

Historic district of Rio de Janeiro, São Cristóvão is located in the Northern Rio de Janeiro. The name of the neighborhood had as origin São Cristóvão, Church in the region, built in 1627 by the Jesuits.

The first inhabitants of the area were the indigenous tamoios. The effective colonization took place throughout the 17TH century, with the arrival of the Jesuits to Brazil. The sesmaria of the priests was divided into three: Fazenda Engenho Velho, Fazenda Engenho Novo and Fazenda São Cristóvão – all producing sugar cane.

In the 18th century, after the expulsion of the Jesuits, the Governor Marquis de Pombal confiscated the land, dividing them into farms and sites, among which the Quinta da Boa Vista. The headquarters of Fazenda São Cristóvão was transformed in the Hospital of Lázaros, which remains in operation until the present day.

far point of recreation and outdoor activities in the neighborhood

In 1810, the Prince-Regent John – the future King d. João VI – chose the Paço da Quinta da Boa Vista as his official residence, which appreciated the neighborhood. Its swampy areas – and with many mangroves – were gradually being grounded; the streets were paved: mansions were built. Until public lighting was installed in the neighborhood. Gradually, the nobility moved to the site. The Marquesa de Santos, mistress of Pedro I, had a house in the neighborhood, today museum open to public visitation.

D. João VI and the Royal family resided in Saint Kitts until the return of the King for Portugal. Was St. Kitts which came d. Pedro I, on the occasion of the trip to Largo da Canela, when would declare the independence of Brazil. D. Pedro II, his heir, was born and grew up in the neighborhood – and from there ruled Brazil for almost half a century.

From the 19TH century began the modernization of the city. São Cristóvão won industries, a telephone exchange, public lighting electric light and the National Observatory of Rio de Janeiro.

With the fall of the Empire, the Paço da Quinta da Boa Vista was transformed into the National Museum and the neighborhood fell into decay.

The industrialization of São Cristóvão generated, in addition to jobs, a migration to the neighborhood and a disordered growth – which contributed to arising slums in the region (hose, one of the cradles of samba carioca; Tuyutí and Barrier of Vasco).

From 2004, began a process of revitalization in St. Kitts. The neighborhood is slowly returning to be residential and offers better quality of life, enjoying good transport infrastructure, urban landmarks of the neighborhood and its proximity to the city centre.

Important points of São Cristóvão 

• The Feira de São Cristóvão, with the best of culture nordestina, installed in Northeastern Traditions Center Luiz Gonzaga (old flag of Saint Kitts).
• The São Januário Stadium, belonging to the football club Vasco da Gama, the scene of many important games.
• The Quinta da Boa Vista, a beautiful park situated in the old gardens of the Imperial Palace, where many shows and public celebrations.
• The Zoological Garden of Rio de Janeiro, also situated on the ground of the former Imperial Palace in the Quinta da Boa Vista.
• National Museum the and your library – also in complexo da Quinta da Boa Vista.
• The Museum of Astronomy and related sciences.
• The Museum's First Reign.
• The Museu Militar Conde de Linhares.
• The Colégio Pedro II, one of the most traditional educational institutions of the country.