The Arcos de Lapas are considered the greatest architectural work built in Brazil during the colonial period and are now one of the city's postcards, the most representative symbol of old Rio de Janeiro, preserved in the bohemian district of Lapa.
From 1896 onwards, the aqueduct was used as a viaduct for the new iron trams of the Companhia de Carris Urbanos, which to this day remain the main means of access from the city center to the heights of the Santa Teresa district.
It is a truly amazing experience to chug across them on the Bonda, the tram, to Santa Teresa.