Praça Montese, located in Marechal Hermes, is a meeting point for stories. Known for being a family-friendly environment and for being a gastronomic hub, since 1913 Praça Montese has been the gateway and part of many paths that cross through the neighborhood.
Praça Montese - Photo by Sophia Carlson.
Image description: The image is an antique illustration, likely an engraving or map, depicting a coastal area with several locations marked. The spatial layout begins on the left, where we see extensive agricultural fields and some densely wooded areas. Moving to the right, we find several islands and peninsulas, each with its own inscribed name. In the center, there is a large main island with various structures and names written in Portuguese. On the right, there are more areas of vegetation and flat terrain. The map features a compass in the center, indicating the cardinal directions. The colors are predominantly beige and brown, with some details in green and blue.On October 1, 2019, under bill n° 1543, the region made up of Praça XV de Novembro, Avenida General Osvaldo Cordeiro de Farias, Rua João Vicente, and Praça Montese was recognized as a gastronomic hub of Rio de Janeiro, and this designation is used as a reference for the location.
What's the justification? The neighborhood holds historical importance for Rio de Janeiro and for Brazil as well. The highlight, besides the architectural collection, is the large flow of people from various places who go to Marechal because of its gastronomy.
It is also in Praça Montese where the bust of Marechal Hermes da Fonseca is located, president of Brazil and founder of the Marechal neighborhood. In 2011, the bust was removed for the reconstruction of the square, which lasted about 3 years, according to some residents.
Bust of Marechal Hermes da Fonseca. Vera Dias
Image description: The image shows a bronze statue of a man wearing a military uniform. The statue is positioned in the center of the image, with the face looking forward. In the background, there is a house with a red roof and white windows. To the left of the statue, there is an electric power pole. In the lower right corner of the image, there is a watermark with the name "Vera Dias."In 2021, the mayor of Rio, Eduardo Paes, announced the revitalization of the area surrounding the Armando Gonzaga Theater and the Montese and XV de Novembro squares.
However, it is important that the essence of the site be preserved so that, even with the changes, it remains possible to recognize the history of Marechal, which was the first working-class neighborhood in Brazil.
Establishments such as the Lux pastry shop and pizzeria are located near Praça Montese and, according to one of its staff members, the area is a good place to live, visit, and interact. The interviewee also mentioned that students from FAETEC, on the campus in Marechal Hermes, used to frequent the pizzeria for some festivities and also to work on assignments. He also said that when they carried out the famous hazing rituals, the students would go to Lux to rest.
The neighborhood hasn't undergone many structural changes, and thanks to the preservation of its architectural details, it has already served as the setting for soap operas such as "Além do Horizonte," by Carlos Gregório and Marcos Bernstein, and films such as "Chuvas de Verão," by Cacá Diegues.
Lux pastry shop and pizzeria. Photo by Libmy da Costa
Image description: The image shows a train station called "Estação Deodoro". The main structure is white with a blue roof where "Estação Deodoro" is written in white letters. On the left, there is a blue panel with the name "Deodoro" in white letters. At the bottom, we see a waiting platform with people walking. In the background, there is a metal structure and a green tree. On the right, there is a pedestrian pathway with more people walking.Unfortunately, over time the Square lost its shine. The Covid-19 pandemic deepened this loss, because it has become harder to find the old men who used to play checkers and cards, as well as the groups of young people who used to hang out there. But little by little, everything is returning to normal. Residents are calling for a revitalization of the square, eager to turn the page and begin a new story.
Montese square in 1986. The traditional bust of Marechal Hermes and, in the background, Avenida General Osvaldo Cordeiro de Farias. Source: Página Madureira ontem e hoje
Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph of a square. On the left side, there are tall trees with green foliage. In the center, old cars are driving along the street. On the right, there is a monumental statue of a man in military uniform, with a serene face. In the lower left corner, it reads "Madureira Ontem & Hoje".We consider Praça Montese to be the meeting point of Marechal Hermes, where everyone passes through or will pass through, even without knowing its history. It connects places and people who move through the neighborhood, and that is why we say that Praça Montese has become a link of stories.
