park · Rio Claro, RJ
Parque Arqueológico e Ambiental de São João Marcos
It preserves the ruins of the old town of São João Marcos, demolished in the 1940s to expand a reservoir, and is considered the country's first urban archaeological site. It has a Caminho Imperial (Imperial Road) trail and a memory center.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque Arqueológico e Ambiental de São João Marcos
The Parque Arqueológico e Ambiental de São João Marcos holds the ruins of a town that ceased to exist. It's in Rio Claro, in the south of Rio de Janeiro state, by the road linking the town to Mangaratiba, surrounded by Atlantic Forest and near the Ribeirão das Lajes reservoir.
São João Marcos was founded in 1739, around a chapel, on a route between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and grew with coffee in the 19th century. In 1939 it was listed as national heritage, but the listing was revoked in 1940 and the town was demolished early that decade, to expand the Light company's reservoir. Most of the area was never actually flooded.
The park opened in 2011 and is considered the first fully recovered urban archaeological site in Brazil. It works as an open-air museum: an archaeological circuit passes the remains of the old town, with streets, foundations and walls of former buildings. There's also a stretch of the old Estrada Imperial to walk, the Centro de Memória with a model, photos, documents and testimonies from former residents, a sensory garden, a birdwatching lookout and an organic garden.
It's a relaxed outing, good for history lovers and families with children. The park has parking, drinking fountains and accessible restrooms. Admission is free.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours is enough to see the Centro de Memória, walk the ruins circuit and stroll a bit along the Estrada Imperial.
Best time
The driest months, from May to September, are good for walking among the ruins without mud; arrive in the morning, when the sun is still gentle and the park is quieter.
How to get there
It's off the RJ-149, the road between Rio Claro and Mangaratiba, at about km 20, in the municipality of Rio Claro. The most practical way is by car, and there's parking at the park. Agencies in Mangaratiba and on the Costa Verde also run tours there.
Tip
The park is open Wednesday through Sunday; check the hours on the official website before you go. Bring water, insect repellent and closed shoes for walking among the ruins and on the Estrada Imperial.
A look at the place
Parque Arqueológico e Ambiental de São João Marcos in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Arqueológico e Ambiental de São João Marcos
Is there an entrance fee for the São João Marcos park?
No. Admission is free.
What days is the park open?
It's open Wednesday through Sunday. Check the hours on the official website before you go.
Why was the town of São João Marcos demolished?
Because of the expansion of the Light company's Ribeirão das Lajes reservoir. The 1939 heritage listing was revoked in 1940 and the town was demolished in the early 1940s, but most of it was never flooded.
Where is the park?
In Rio Claro (Rio de Janeiro), off the RJ-149, the road between Rio Claro and Mangaratiba, at about km 20.
How long does the visit take?
About two to three hours to see the Centro de Memória, the ruins and a stretch of the Estrada Imperial.