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Rio’s Gavea Rock

Filed under: Brazil General/ Rio de Janeiro - November 27th, 2004

One of my favorite attractions in Rio de Janeiro is Gavea Rock. This rock towers 2,830 ft (862m) high and is located between Sao Conrado and Barra da Tijuca. It’s very popular with hikers and climbers since the view from the top of this rock is fantastic, not to mention the climb presents a tantalizing challenge.

Personally I’m fascinated by the history of Gavea Rock. Some say this rock has a face carved into it - like a South American Sphinx. While others speculate this is merely a natural phenomenon and it just happens to look like a face. Face or not, no one can dispute the unexplained inscriptions carved into the sides of Gavea Rock. It’s believed these mysterious inscriptions where made by the ancient Phoencians. Some archaeologists suggest the Phonecians used Gavea Rock as burial tomb for one of their kings.

In this photo I found you can see Gavea Rock towering over the city of Rio de Janiero.