Day 7 - Wednesday, February 11, 2015:
Quinta da Boa Vista (Park of the Nice View) in the Sao Cristovao neighborhood. On the grounds is a former Imperial Palace. After declaration of the Republic of Brazil it became the Museu Nacional do Rio do Janeiro (National Museum) with its natural history, ethnology and archaeology including meteorites, bones, sarphogus, mummies, Grecian urns, relics of Pompei, art and more.
Also on the grounds is the Zoological Garden with over 2,000 species of animals including monkeys, tigers, brown bears, ibis, water buffalo, giraffe, elephant, parrots, etc.
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Metroplitan Cathedral of Rio de Janiero
We were determined to visit the Metroplitan Cathedral of Rio de Janiero (Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Sebastiao). St. Sebastian is patron saint of Rio de Janeiro. This time the large, sliding double doors were open. The stained glasses windows were not evident from the outside, but once inside their magnificence contrasted to the concrete interior. There was a baptismal font standing to one side with enough pews for an intimate family baptismal service. (not shown.)
We were determined to visit the Metroplitan Cathedral of Rio de Janiero (Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Sebastiao). St. Sebastian is patron saint of Rio de Janeiro. This time the large, sliding double doors were open. The stained glasses windows were not evident from the outside, but once inside their magnificence contrasted to the concrete interior. There was a baptismal font standing to one side with enough pews for an intimate family baptismal service. (not shown.)
There was a museum (Museu Arquidiocesano de arte Sacra) in the crypt but with the entry fee, and only ten minutes to view until closing time, we elected not to go inside much to my regret. A must for next time. A few photos taken outside the entrance to the museum were allowed.
In the crypt of the Cathedral the floor exhibited more of the Portuguese pavement with design.
Later on another Happy Hour at Pasqualino outdoor cafe a few doors from our hotel.