BRASIL - January 13th to 16th, 2011
BRASIL - January 13th to 16th, 2011
The Conservatória railway station is well preserved and being used as a police station and tourist information centre. Conservatória is located 142 km northwest of Rio de Janeiro in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Steam locomotive No. 206 or "Maria Fumaça 206" is on permanent display next to the train station. It was built in Philadelphia, U.S.A. by the Baldwin Locomotive works in January 1910.
A closer look at steam locomotive No. 206. The railway and station were inaugurated by Emperor Dom Pedro II on November 21, 1883. Rail service ceased operation in 1960. A paved road arrived in 1998.
On the left is the plaque mounted on steam locomotive No. 206. On the right is the plaque mounted at the entrance to the railway tunnel you see below. The plaque commemorates 100 years since the arrival of the railway to Conservatória.
The "Crying Tunnel", named for the continuous water falling at the entrance is 100 metres long. The railway tunnel was started in 1880 by hand using slaves. It is now used by pedestrians and automobiles as a shortcut to the other side of town. Use with caution.
Tranquil Conservatória is known for its restaurants, pousadas, music festivals and musical serenade which winds through town every Friday and Saturday evening.
The Centimetro Cinema in Conservatória is a replica of the Cine Metro Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro. The owner, a retired police chief took it upon himself to preserve the art deco light fixtures, wood panelling, chairs and neon of demolished cinemas and relocate them here. This is a working cinema and seats approximately sixty persons.
The lobby has some interesting light fixtures and classic film posters. The cinema is open to the public in the evenings by reservation only. There is a small fee. During your tour, you will see a short video about the cinema in the reception area complete with coffee. You will then be seated in the cinema to watch several classic movie clips.
The interior of the cinema is adorned with authentic period lighting and woodwork. The original Cine Metro Tijuco operated for 35 years from 1941 to 1976 in Sáens Peña Square in northern Rio. The original cinema seated 1800 persons in modern air conditioned comfort. It was torn down in 1976 to make way for a department store.
This area is located at the back of the cinema under the projection room and balcony.
These light fixtures are located in the concession area. This is your last stop on the tour. The concession stand is loaded with T-shirts and souvenirs for you to purchase.
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