That Rio-de-Janeiro is one of the most marvelous cities in the world, nobody questions. Several architecture, nature and aesthetics prizes and awards have been give to the "city of wonder" or "City of Lure" as been commonly called.



Today, Belavista-Rio will post a series of pictures taken by Harriet Chalmers. For those who aren´t aware, Harriet Chalmers Adams was an American explorer, writer and photographer. She travelled extensively in South America, Asia and the South Pacific in the early 20th century, and published accounts of her journeys in the National Geographic magazine. She lectured frequently on her travels and illustrated her talks with color slides and movies.



Above, a sensational view of the Copacabana beach...just a paradise waiting to be discovered...

She visited Rio-de-Janeiro an took several fabulous pictures in 1919 of the spectacular nature, architecture and daily routine of the Cariocas, name given to those born in Rio.

Harriet Chalmers was described by The New York Times as "America's greatest woman explorer. As a lecturer no one, man or woman, has a more magnetic hold over an audience than she."




Some of the pictures taken by Harriet Chalmers in 1919 were made in tourist locations that are famed until today such as the Sugar Loaf, Copacabana Beach, Lagoa, São Conrado, and Rio-de-Janeiro´s city center.

Below, a fantastic shot of the old days of Brazil




The images surely makes us travel back to those days where streets were peaceful, nature was even more exuberant, and modus vivendi surely European.




Above, another extraordinary photo of the City´s center: Elegance and Beauty.

Rio do Janeiro´s Short History:

Rio was discovered on January (Janeiro) 1, 1502 by Portuguese navigators who mistook the entrance of Guanabara Bay for the mouth of a river (Rio). Sixty years later because French traders in search of pau-brasil (Brazilwood) were routinely "visiting" the area the Portuguese crown established the city of Sao Sebastiao do Rio-de-Janeiro.





After 2 years of bloody conflict the French were expelled and settlers began to cultivate the surrounding fertile lands. In the beginning of the 18th century the city's importance and population increased immensely as it became the main shipping port for gold and diamonds that came from Minas Gerais.





In 1763 the colonial capital of Brazil was transferred from Salvador, Bahia to Rio. In 1808, as Napoleon's armies began the invasion of Portugal, the decision was made to transfer the monarch and his court to Rio do Janeiro, where he would remain until 1821.

Below, a beautiful picture of the Botafogo Bay: This scene was depicted by at least 30 famous painters from Europe and Americas.



During this time Brasil was elevated in status from a colony to United Kingdom with Portugal. With the advent of Independence Rio became the capital of the new empire. The city prospered economically, and by 1891 it had a population of over 500,000 inhabitants ranking it one of the largest cities in the world.



As the city grew in prominence mountains were removed, bay water reclaimed, and skyscrapers constructed.

Below, the Rodrigo Freitas Lagoon...amazing picture.




With the inauguration of Brasilia in 1960, the city of wonder ceased to be Brazil's capital. Even today discussion is rife concerning whether Rio was improved or hurt by the transfer of the government.

Below, an ice-cream vendor of the early century called Ya-Ya. Great design!




In any event, this second largest city in Brazil is still a major cultural capital and, to some extent, its "emotional" capital as well. Rio do Janeiro has a majestic beauty, with built-up areas nestled between a magnificent bay and dazzling beaches on one side and an abruptly rising mountain range, covered by a luxuriant tropical forest, on the other.

Below, Sao Conrado view in the beginning of the century.





This unique landscape makes Rio one of the most beautiful cities in the world, justifying its title of "Marvelous City" (Cidade Maravilhosa). Rio's cultural life is intense and varied. Perhaps at no time is the city's festive reputation better displayed than during the annual carnaval which enlivens the city for 3 solid days with music, singing, parties, balls, and desfiles (street parades of brilliantly-costumed dancers performing the samba.)





Lapa picture above, was already a hot spot of town, with thorough commerce.

Economically it is a service industry center, a key financial center, and the producer of foodstuffs, building materials, electrical equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and textiles. But it is in the pursuit of leisure that Rio is outstanding.



Above, a picture of Leme Beach, with no construction almost.

With its world famous beaches free to all (such as Copacabana and Ipanema), its splendid bay, one of the loveliest in the world, and its wonderful climate, a blend of summer and springtime, Rio do Janeiro is a city that lives in and for the sun. Its population is around 5,750,000 inhabitants.




Street Vendor where already common those days...Many of them came as immigrants from several countries.





Av. Niemayer in 1985, very old picture and car too! It was probably an expedition those days to go to Sao Conrado!




Below, another great photo of street vendor early century...