ESTAÇÃO DA LUZ
Go there and contact
Impressive, large train station in the Bon Retiro district, home to an interesting Museum of the Portuguese Language
Brazil's railway heritage is often grandiose, as it was built when developed countries, then in the throes of the Industrial Revolution, wanted to showcase both their economic power and their industrial know-how. Inaugurated in 1901, the Estaçao da Luz train station is impressive for its grandiose architecture and size. It reflects the city's image at the time: gigantic and wealthy, thanks to the booming coffee trade. Dominated by its clock tower, inspired by the famous Big Ben in London's Westminster, it was built in the heart of the city's botanical gardens, in the Bom Retiro district.
The gateway to the city's illustrious citizens, who made their fortunes during the industrial revolutions, it was also the gateway to the migrants who came to the city in droves to work on the major construction projects. Partially destroyed by fire in 1946, it was reopened 5 years later and has since undergone numerous renovations.
Even today, it remains one of the city's most important railway stations, despite the shift from trains to planes and buses. The nerve center of the city's underdeveloped rail network, it is also a metro station (lines 1 and 4) and home to the interesting Portuguese Language Museum ("Museu da Língua Portuguesa"). Another fire, this time in 2015, partially destroyed the museum and the station's architectural heritage. It has now been reopened to the public.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on ESTAÇÃO DA LUZ
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Find unique holiday offers with our partners
A l'intérieur, grands mouvements de foule pour prendre le train ou le métro.