monument · São José do Vale do Rio Preto, RJ
Estação Ferroviária Águas Claras
Opened in 1886 on the railroad branch line that served the region, closed in 1947, it is the only station on that line still standing. Restored by the community, it now houses a municipal office and serves as a cultural space.
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 Estação Ferroviária Águas Claras
The Estação Ferroviária Águas Claras is a small late-19th-century train station in the Águas Claras neighborhood of São José do Vale do Rio Preto, in the Rio de Janeiro mountain region. Locals remember it as the last remaining station of the town's old railroad branch line.
The station opened on November 1, 1886, on the São José do Rio Preto branch, built by the Estrada de Ferro Príncipe do Grão-Pará and later operated by the Leopoldina. The branch closed in 1947, one of the first railroad stretches shut down in Brazil; the tracks were removed.
After years of neglect, the building was restored thanks to a movement by neighborhood residents, in partnership with the owner and the town government. The single-story building, with a gabled roof, keeps the simple design of country stations in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
The visit is quick and mostly from the outside, looking at the facade and the old covered platform. It is a good stop if you like railroad history or are exploring the town.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes is enough to see the building and take photos.
Best time
On sunny days, in the morning, when the light shines well on the facade and the surrounding mountains.
How to get there
It is in the Águas Claras neighborhood of São José do Vale do Rio Preto, in the Rio de Janeiro mountain region. You can get there by car or taxi from downtown.
Tip
Since the building is used by the local government, the interior is not always open to visitors; take the chance to photograph the facade and the platform.
A look at the place
Estação Ferroviária Águas Claras 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 Estação Ferroviária Águas Claras
When did the Estação Águas Claras open?
On November 1, 1886, on the São José do Rio Preto railroad branch line.
Do trains still run through the Estação Águas Claras?
No. The branch line closed in 1947 and the tracks no longer exist; only the station building remains.
Can you go inside the station?
The building is used by the local government, so the interior is not always open. The facade and the platform can be seen from the street.
Is there a fee to visit the Estação Águas Claras?
There is no charge to see the building from the outside.
How long does the visit take?
It is a quick stop, 15 to 30 minutes.