120 years of the Relógio da Glória: Conservation Department delivers restored monument to the population

The Relógio da Glória, one of the most traditional and symbolic monuments in Rio de Janeiro, has a new look to celebrate its 15th anniversary this Tuesday (04/120). The Municipal Department of Conservation and Public Services concluded, this Monday (15/04), the maintenance work on the historic equipment, located on Rua da Glória, in the South Zone of the city.

The intervention, carried out by the department's Monuments Management, lasted approximately one month and included repairs to the original mechanism, general cleaning, painting, conservation of the cast iron case that houses the gears and actions to prevent the accumulation of rainwater. The objective was to guarantee not only the functionality of the clock — which continues to operate with its century-old structure — but also the preservation of a listed asset that is valuable from a cultural and historical point of view.

– This is not just a clock. It is a symbol of identity, of belonging, and a landmark of the city’s modern urbanization. Restoring the Relógio da Glória is giving back to the people of Rio a piece of their own history – said the municipal secretary of Conservation and Public Services, Diego Vaz.

According to him, the delivery of this restored monument, on the eve of its 120th anniversary, represents the City Hall's commitment to valuing urban memory:

– Rio is designed to be an open-air museum. Taking care of every detail of the city, from the asphalt to the monuments, is also taking care of who we are. Preserving historical heritage is a way of respecting the past and educating for the future – added the secretary.

 

A milestone in urban modernization

Inaugurated on April 15, 1905, the Relógio da Glória is one of the symbols of the great modernization project of the city of Rio de Janeiro at the turn of the XNUMXth century, during the administration of Mayor Pereira Passos. The installation of the equipment was part of a series of improvements inspired by European urban models, with the aim of transforming Rio into a modern, organized and hygienic metropolis.

Manufactured by the German company Krussman, the clock has four dials, is supported by a column carved in stone and is part of the balustrade of Rua da Glória, on the slope that connects Lapa to the neighborhood. On the access door to the clock, the original inscription remains: “Built under the Administration of Mayor Pereira Passos – 1905”.

Glory and its historical importance

The Glória neighborhood, where the clock is located, is one of the oldest areas of Rio de Janeiro and its streets carry an essential part of the city's history. With colonial mansions, historic churches — such as the Church of Our Lady of Glória do Outeiro —, staircases, squares and viewpoints, the neighborhood is a meeting point between tradition and modernity. In this context, the Glória Clock is a visual and symbolic landmark that has witnessed the transformation of the city over more than a century.

The restoration of the monument reinforces the City Hall's commitment to preserving and revitalizing public spaces with emotional and historical value for the population of Rio.

Category:

• Conservation and Public Services
• News

April 15th 2025

Appointments: conservation Glory monument population City Hall of Rio Clock of Glory Municipal Secretariat of Conservation and Public Services