Since the early 50s Lapa has been one of the major references for nightlife in Rio. With its famous cabarets and restaurants, it was then known as the “Montmartre Carioca”, frequented by the cream of the artistic, intellectual, political and diplomatic circles. To this day Lapa throbs with life. City Hall has already restored part of the district, preserving as much as possible of the original architecture from the beginning of the 20th century, which characterizes the place. Visually it is a collection of historical constructions such as the Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches), Passeio Público (Public Promenade), Escola Nacional de Música (National Musica School) and Igreja de N. Sra. Da Lapa (Church of Our Lady of Lapa), veritable icons of Old Rio.
