Praça Nilo Peçanha

Nilo Peçanha Square is a central gathering point in Barra do Piraí, where urban history merges with faith. The space emerged under Portuguese influence, initially organized around a modest chapel of the São Benedito Parish, located where the Hanna Palace Hotel stands today. In the 1940s, the layout changed with the construction of the Matriz São Benedito in a new location, creating a rare example of Art Deco religious architecture in the Sul Fluminense region. The heart of the square is its bandstand, which has hosted bands and political demonstrations. Originally, it had a charming roof that was lost over time, remaining uncovered for decades until it received a metal covering in the early 21st century. Another curiosity is that the site once hosted children's playgrounds in the 1940s and 1970s, marking the memory of generations of residents.