Paisagem, memória e transportes urbanos : o Rio de Janeiro segundo João Chagas (1897)

Abstract

This article seeks to highlight the new forms of landscape perception and enjoyment of the urban space made possible by the appearance of urban transport on rails, based on a text of memories about Rio de Janeiro published in 1897 by João Chagas, a Portuguese writer, journalist and important Republican politician. João Chagas assumed the status of a flâneur and presents a striking reading of his first day in town, particularly focusing the effect of the tram. The use of the tram allowed him to capture a glimpse of the city at an accelerated pace, observing both the streets of the old town and the avenues of the growing city. In this way, he describes overall impressions of urban civilization in the capital of Brazil.