Founded in 1808 by D. João VI, the king of Portugal who moved to Brazil that same year escaping from the Napoleonic forces, the Botanical Garden is an important touristic site of the City of Rio de Janeiro. It is also a place of study by researchers from all over the world, who dedicate their time to the several species that are there. With a total area of 137 hectares, being 54 of acreage, the Botanical Garden houses rare collections of bromeliads and orchids, as well as old trees and exotic plants.
The Garden has a rich historical and cultural heritage. Among the 
monuments you will find there, there are the statues of Eco and Narciso. As many knows, Eco was desperately in love with Narciso, who was crazy in love about himself. Eco died of love. The only thing that remained from the young beautiful Eco was her voice, the 
echo. Well, the great carioca sculptor Mestre Valentim (1750-1813) eternalized the moment sculpting these two art pieces.
You will also find the portal of the Academy of Fine Arts, projected by Grand-jean de Montigny, and the Japonese Garden, created in 1935, from the donation of 65 species of typical Japanese plants. The Park is also an excellent place to observe birds. There are hundred different species there.
For more information, visit the website: http://en.jbrj.gov.br