Cinelandia Square, Rio de Janeiro

Officially named Praça Floriano Peixoto, after Brazil's second president, this area of town is more commonly called Cinelandia Square. Around the spacious public square, you'll find a variety of historic landmark buildings, like the opera house and theater.

Originally, this square was simply the site of the Ajuda Convent, built in 1750. When Rio de Janeiro was named the capital of Brazil in the early 20th century, the square began to take shape. Several grand cinemas stood in the square. While most of the cinemas have closed, the Cinelandia (cinema land) name remains.

Important and architecturally interesting buildings in the square are the Teatro Municipal, the Palacio Pedro Ernesto, the Biblioteca Nacional, and the Tribunal Superior.

Visitors will find an impressive statue of Marshal Floriano Peixoto, Brazil's second president, for whom the square is officially named. This bronze statue was designed by Eduardo Sa and commemorated in 1910. The statue incorporates a scene portraying different events from Brazilian history.

A 19th-century Brazilian composer, Carlos Gomes, is also immortalized in a bronze statue.

Today, the square has theatres, museums, and nearby restaurants and bars. It's a lively place where locals often hold peaceful gatherings.