You will find the Valongo Wharf nestled in the port area of Rio de Janeiro, situated between Coelho e Castro and Sacadura Cabral streets. Built in 1811, this deeply historic site served as the primary gateway for hundreds of thousands of enslaved Africans brought to Brazil. As you explore this profound location, you are standing at the heart of an area historically known as Pequena África (Little Africa), a community formed by enslaved and freed individuals.
Why should you visit? Valongo Wharf offers an honest, reflective look into a pivotal history. Unearthed in 2011 during Olympic revitalization excavations, archaeologists discovered two layered wharfs—the original 1811 structure and the 1843 Cais da Imperatriz—alongside countless African amulets and worship objects from Angola, Congo, and Mozambique.
Today, the site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you visit, you can view the exposed archaeological ruins of the stacked wharfs. Take time to read the explanatory signage installed in late 2023, and reflect at the striking memorial sculpture, which carefully arranges human figures to form the silhouette of the African continent, honoring the deep African heritage that helped shape Rio de Janeiro.
What to see at Valongo Wharf
- Exposed archaeological layers of both the 1811 Valongo Wharf and 1843 Cais da Imperatriz
- Memorial sculpture depicting human figures forming the silhouette of the African continent
- Official UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Rio's historic port area
- Explanatory signage highlighting the history of the transatlantic trade and Pequena África
Visiting tips
Take time to read the explanatory signage installed around the excavated ruins to fully appreciate the profound history of the site.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Valongo Wharf is easy to reach on Rio de Janeiro’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Rio de Janeiro travel guide.
See the full Rio de Janeiro travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.