Open your eyes and take in the landscape that’s been hidden from us for nearly 250 years.
The first slave port in Rio de Janeiro was right here in Praça Quinze, where Peixe beach once existed. The slave port stayed here from the end of the 16th century through 1774, when the viceroy thought it best to move the unloading area to Valongo Wharf, 2 kilometers away. He wanted to hide the grotesque scene so as not to upset the wealthy sirs and madams who walked the streets of downtown Rio.
After the slave market changed locations, the wharf became the Imperial Palace Wharf, underwent various renovations, and received noblemen and even the Imperial family. Today, there is no public marker to remember that this was the first slave port in Rio. Today, no one remembers the over 150,000 slaves who were unloaded in this very spot, according to a study conducted by the organization Slave Voyages. According to that study, around 10% of all African slaves died on their journey due to hunger, disease, or mistreatment.
And, for that reason, these poor souls are more ghosts haunting the streets of Porto Maravilha.