A progressive city with modern design in mind and old tradition at heart, Rio de Janeiro, has earned the honor of being the first big city in the world to achieve world heritage status. UNESCO Heritage Committee has awarded Rio De Janeiro with the status of World Heritage Site in the Urban Landscape category.

Said the committee, "The development of the city of Rio de Janeiro has been shaped by a creative fusion between nature and culture"

"These processes have created an urban landscape perceived to be of great beauty by many writers and travelers and one that has shaped the culture of the city. The dramatic landscape of Rio de Janeiro has provided inspiration for many forms of art, literature, poetry, and music. Images of Rio, which show the bay, Sugar Loaf and the statue of Christ the Redeemer have had a high worldwide recognition factor, since the middle of the 19th century.

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