On a quiet Sunday I made the long walk and back.

One highlight was Theatro Municipal.

The building is designed in an eclectic style, inspired by the Paris Opéra of Charles Garnier. The outside walls are inscribed with the names of classic Eurocentric & Brazilian artists. It is located near the National Library and the National Fine Arts Museum, overlooking the spacious Cinelândia Square.

Arcos de Lapa (Carioca Aqueduct) was hosting free music. But there were not many people in attendance aside from the many homeless who sleep on the streets there.

The aqueduct was built in the middle of the 18th century to bring fresh water from the Carioca river to the population of the city. It is an impressive example of colonial architecture and engineering.

Sunday is a good day to go downtown as there’s very little traffic. On the other hand, almost everything is closed for the Sabbath.

The beaches are busier. But not busy in early May.

The Flamengo beachfront area is dominated by the Brigadier Eduardo Gomes Park, built by Lota de Macedo Soares on nearly 300 acres (1.2 km²) of land reclaimed from the bay and completed in 1965.

Outdoor fun and fitness everywhere you look.

I’d planned to rent a bike to explore this part of Rio. All the rental shops were closed on Sunday, however. Some please ask Pope Francis why some businesses can open on the Holy Day, others not. 🙂