National Monument to the dead of World War II
Honouring the Brave Soldiers of World War II
The monument stands as a commemoration to the Brazilian soldiers who participated in and to those who lost their lives during the Second World War (WWII). The National Monument to the Dead of World War II, which in Portuguese is Monumento Nacional aos Mortos da Segunda Guerra Mundial, is located in Flamengo Park in the Flamengo district on Guanabara Bay, near the modern art museum.
The monument was designed by Konder Netto and Helio Ribas Marinho, the winners of a competition which was run to choose the design of the monment. The sculpture is an abstract and is a vertical feature which stands at 31 metres tall. The top of the two vertical structures has a type of concave rectangular table on top. At first glance some feel that the structure looks like some type of massive ancient torch, not much information can be found about the symbolism of the design.
The monument, however is not just this one sculpture, there are other pieces which make up the complete monument. The other works include:
- A metal abstract sculpture designed and built by Julio Catelli Filhoto to honour those who made up the Brazilian Air Force.
- A granite statue which honours the personal of Brazil's sea, land and air forces which was designed by Alfredo Ceschiatti.
- A tiled mosaic wall mural designed by Anisio Medeiros in honour of the Navy and Merchant Marines who lost their lives at sea.
There is a mausoleum on the site which holds the remains of 467 service men of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force who died in action in Italy during the war. Their bodies were buried at the Brazilian Military Cemetery of Pistoia in Tuscany before being brought back home in 1960, the same year the monument was completed.
For those of you who do not speak Portuguese, you will be happy to know that there is text in English which describes the monuments and the participation of Brazil in the World War II.
This monument is worth taking a trip to see. Reading about the men and women who bravely sacrificed their lives in the war will likely instil a deep sense of appreciation for the price they paid for the freedom we enjoy today.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoMonumento Nacional dos Mortos da Segunda Guerra Mundial Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, 75 - Glória - Glória, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20021-140, Brazil
Phone: (21) 2519-4609
Monumento Nacional dos Mortos da Segunda Guerra Mundial Reviews
Rated out of 5
Another interesting place we visited was the Monumento Nacional aos Mortos da Segunda Guerra Mundial, dedicated to the Brazilian soldiers who fought and died during World War II. The entire area was fenced off, but we tried to enter, and it turned out to be possible. Given the strong military presence, with numerous soldiers guarding the site, it likely falls under the Ministry of Defense.
The monument itself is an impressive architectural work, featuring a striking modernist design. In the underground section, we met a soldier who shared insights about the history of Brazilian troops who fought in Italy during World War II. Many people may not realize that Brazil sent around 25,000 troops—known as the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB)—to fight alongside the Allies, particularly in the Italian Campaign.
The memorial also houses the tombs of fallen soldiers, serving as a solemn and powerful tribute to their sacrifice. For those interested in history, this is an important site to visit in Rio, offering a deeper understanding of Brazil’s role in World War II.
MarosH Hudak - 2 months ago
Great place for pictures and history lesson.
Arfalie Fikrie - in the last week
this monument is very close to obelisco ...may all the people see but Don give too much importance ... and is possible to visit underneath the statue
Luciana Servulo - 4 months ago
Stunning memorial to the war heroes of the Brazilian Armed forces. This monument stands out from the low elevation of the surrounding beach water line and towers multiple stories high with armed guards surrounding it creating a presence that can only be captured when visiting person. It's conveniently located near Flamengo beach and along the "Walk Rio" pathway connecting the city center to areas along the water such as Copacabana.
Victor Wang - 6 years ago
Free to visit with air conditioning and cold water. Impressive monument that seems to be guarded by the Brazilian army forces as a symbolic gesture. I was the only one visiting on a Sunday afternoon.
Simon G - 6 years ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange or Line 2 - Green | Gloria | 10 Minutes |
How to get to Monumento Nacional dos Mortos da Segunda Guerra Mundial by Metro
Exit at Gloria Station and walk south along the east along Rua do Russel to Av Beira Mar. Cross the road and take steps up to the pedestrian overpass; cross over the road and take the second pedestrian overpass to your right across the next road. Make your way north through the park to the monument.
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Photo Gallery
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National Monument to the dead of World War II cc licensed photo by Fernando Dall'Acqua -
Tribute to Pracinhas cc licensed photo by Fernando Dall'Acqua -
Photo Credit: Maria Hosana Monteiro -
Photo Credit: Luiz Gonzaga Chagas -
Photo Credit: Manfredo Ventura Ferreira da Cunha -
Photo Credit: Davide Tralli -
Photo Credit: Marcos Aurelio Bassolli Alves
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