Barão de Drummond Square

This sign is part of the Rota do Samba de Vila Isabel – Os Três Apitos circuit. Click here to access the interactive map with all the locations and discover this and other circuits.

Praça Barão de Drummond was initially named Praça 7 de Março, a name still used by neighborhood residents today. It was named in honor of the date the office of the Viscount of Rio Branco was installed.

The Viscount of Rio Branco was responsible for the Golden Law. Praça 7 was conceived as the central point of the original architectural plan for Vila Isabel. Other public spaces pay tribute to important figures in the abolitionist movement, including Teodoro da Silva, Petrocochino, Senator Nabuco, Sousa Franco, Luiz Barbosa, José do Patrocínio, Conselheiro Otaviano, Conselheiro Correia, the Viscount of Abaeté, and Torres Homem, who supported abolition; as well as Mendes Tavares and the Baron of Cotegipe, who opposed it. These figures played an important role in the approval of the Golden Law, the result of a lengthy campaign led by José do Patrocínio, Nabuco, André Rebouças, and Chiquinha Gonzaga throughout Brazil. Torres Homem, a Black man who experienced racial prejudice at the time, played a pivotal role in the fight for freedom and was the only Afro-Brazilian to lead the Ministry of Finance.

Praça Barão de Drummond is currently surrounded by the Convento da Ajuda, which was moved from Cinelândia to Vila Isabel in the early 20th century. The square is also home to the Noel Birthplace Cultural Center, the Parmê restaurant, Morro dos Macacos hill, and the Noel Rosa Tunnel. The square features an effigy of Noel Rosa and his guitar, which was inaugurated in 1938.

Praça Barão de Drummond is home to a gastronomic hub with bars frequented by the Velha Guarda da Unidos de Vila Isabel and other members, as well as food trucks offering various types of food. Notable eateries include Maradona’s churrasquinho and Dona Vera’s sandwiches. Additionally, the timeless Praça 7 occasionally serves as a cultural stage for samba circles, rap battles, and gatherings of old-school funk lovers.