Cosme Velho (Rio de Janeiro)

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Cosme Velho is a traditional neighborhood in the Southern Zone of Rio de Janeiro, adjacent to Laranjeiras. Its main street is Rua Cosme Velho (an extension of Rua das Laranjeiras). It is a small neighborhood, but with much to interest tourists.

The Estação de Ferro do Corcovado (terminus of the Corcovado Rack Railway) is located here. Trains carry passengers from there to the summit of Corcovado Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer.

The neighbourhood also includes the picturesque Largo do Boticário, which consists of a small square enclosed by several neocolonial style houses, built in the 1920s. The houses were constructed using materials from much older buildings in the city's Centro district which had been demolished. There are two houses from the first half of the 19th century at the entrance to the square.

Cosme Velho's most famous inhabitant was the writer Machado de Assis. Unfortunately the house where he lived has been demolished and an apartment block built in its place.