The first public space created in Brazil, at the time when the country was a Portuguese colony, the Passeio Público was built in a landfilled area, where the Boqueirão lagoon, which ran to the Arcos da Lapa, used to exist. The original work is by Mestre Valentim, a renowned sculptor and urban planner from colonial Brazil, who was also responsible for the works of Quinta da Boa Vista and Campo de Santana.

Mixing French and English styles, it is composed of tree-lined alleys, a lake and has decorative elements such as fountains, statues and pavilions. Highlight for the iron gate at the entrance, in rococo style, and the Fountain of the Child. It is listed by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute.