CAMINHO NIEMEYER

After Brasilia, this Caminho in Niterói is the second most important architectural project by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012). After ten years of promises and 100 million reais invested, the "Niemeyer Way" was finally inaugurated in 2013, and today continues to take shape in its final details. A cathedral, for example, is planned. Unfortunately, the master was unable to see all the buildings fully completed, as he passed away in 2012 at the age of 103.

This group of buildings includes the MAC, which looks like a flying saucer, as well as other monuments created by the master's nimble hand, with clean lines and round, white walls.

Crossing Guanabara Bay by boat is an exceptional opportunity to walk in the architect's footsteps, but also to discover an almost provincial life, just the other side of Rio's historic center. The visit begins as soon as you arrive (if you arrive at the Charitas terminal), since one of the seven buildings along the way is the boat terminal itself, the Charitas terminal. The other terminal, Praça Araribóia station, is closer to the other Caminho buildings.

While the majority of the sites are concentrated on a small section - the Aterro da Praia Grande (the large beach breakwater) - the path stretches over 3.5 km of urban coastline and aims to revitalize this coastal tongue by attracting tourists who are reluctant to cross the bay. The boat ride from Praça XV, with its view of Rio at sunset, is very pleasant!

From the Niterói terminal, turn left towards the shopping center. This is where you'll find Praça JK, the second of the seven sites designed by Niemeyer. Continue along the road to the city's central bus station. To reach the Aterro da Praia Grande (home to the Oscar Niemeyer Foundation, the Roberto Silveira Memorial and the Teatro Popular Oscar Niemeyer), simply cross the entire length of the terminal and follow the arrows of the Caminho, just a few steps away, facing the bay. The visitor center is located at the entrance.

Finally, going in the opposite direction from the boat terminal (south), still following Avenida Viconde do Rio Branco, you'll find the imposing and fascinating Museu Petrobras de Cinema about 10 minutes' walk away. Then take a cab (or walk 30 minutes along a pretty corniche) to the MAC, Rio's contemporary art museum.