Cais do Valongo — Attraction in Região Geográfica Imediata do Rio de Janeiro

The Valongo Wharf is well worth a visit. While Rio is stunningly beautiful and vibrant it also has a dark past. As well as the archeological sight there is information and graphics explaining the horrific history of human trafficking and slavery in Rio, which you are not likely to find outside of Little Africa. There are some low reviews on account of the site’s poor upkeep, which is a shame the city governance is responsible for; however, not a reason to not go there. You do not go to Valongo Wharf for a pleasant tourist experience, you go there to pay respect to those who died and survived through human trafficking and slavery and still endure injustices today. It is completely safe if you are sensible and respectful. Also, there are plenty of guided tours. Find a tour ran by people of...

A very interesting historical site as this location used to harbor a naval dock were the slaves coming from Africa and brought to the continent by slaves traders would arrive and consequently be sold and traded. This was legal until 1831 when slavery was banned, after this date the traffic continued illegally but the ships would dock duing the night to avoid the public attention, it was then covered in 1843 as the expected arrival of Tereza Maria daughter of Francis I of Two Sicilies. It was then discovered in during a city urban reform. The dock has about meters and is now protected as national heritage it is also part of the circuit of African...

Valongo Wharf Archaeological Site is located in central Rio de Janeiro and encompasses the entirety of Jornal do Comércio Square. It is in the former harbour area of Rio de Janeiro in which the old stone wharf was built for the landing of enslaved Africans reaching the South American continent from 1811 onwards. An estimated 900,000 Africans arrived in South America via Valongo. The site is composed of several archaeological layers, the lowest of which consists of floor pavings in pé de moleque style, attributed to the original Valongo Wharf. It is the most important physical trace of the arrival of African slaves on the...