The Parque das Ruínas in Santa Teresa is the partially preserved shell of a Belle Époque mansion that once belonged to Laurinda Santos Lobo, one of Rio's most celebrated society hostesses of the early 20th century. After her death in 1946 the mansion fell into disrepair and was eventually taken over by the city, which stabilised the crumbling walls and converted the skeleton of the building into a cultural centre and viewing point.
The result is one of Rio's most atmospheric spots: crumbling walls draped in tropical vegetation, with a metal walkway through the ruins leading to an outdoor terrace with sweeping views over the Bay of Guanabara, Centro, the port zone, and on clear days to Niterói. The space hosts open-air concerts and theatre performances in the evening. It is a short walk from the Santa Teresa tramway terminal. Entry is free.