Maps of Movies

Black Orpheus (1959)

Where Black Orpheus says it takes place, and where it was really shot.

The Greek myth of Orpheus set in Rio's favela at Carnival: only one filming spot is on record, Morro da Babilônia.

Scenes and places

Opening samba in the favela

A marble Greek bas-relief explodes, revealing Afro-Brazilian men dancing the samba to drums in a favela.

Set in A favela hillside in Rio de Janeiro — A marble Greek bas-relief explodes, revealing Afro-Brazilian men dancing the samba to drums in a favela.

A favela hillside in Rio de Janeiro, setting of the Orpheus myth during Carnival.

Filmed at Morro da Babilônia, Leme, Rio de Janeiro — Lengthy passages of the film were shot in this favela; the match to this specific scene is not confirmed. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there:

The trolley's end of the line

Eurydice, new to the city, rides Orfeu's trolley to the end of the line, where Hermes gives her directions to her cousin's home.

Set in The station at the end of the trolley line — Eurydice, new to the city, rides Orfeu's trolley to the end of the line, where Hermes gives her directions to her cousin's home.

The station at the end of the trolley line, where Orfeu works as driver.

The marriage license

Orfeu, engaged to Mira but unenthusiastic, goes with her for a marriage license. The clerk jokes about Eurydice when he hears his name, and Mira is annoyed.

Set in The courthouse clerk's office where couples get a marriage license — Orfeu, engaged to Mira but unenthusiastic, goes with her for a marriage license. The clerk jokes about Eurydice when he hears his name, and Mira is annoyed.

The courthouse clerk's office where couples get a marriage license.

Guitar at the pawn shop

Orfeu would rather spend his pay getting his guitar out of the pawn shop for Carnival than buy Mira's ring, until she offers to loan him the money.

Set in The pawn shop that holds Orfeu's guitar before Carnival — Orfeu would rather spend his pay getting his guitar out of the pawn shop for Carnival than buy Mira's ring, until she offers to loan him the money.

The pawn shop that holds Orfeu's guitar before Carnival.

Eurydice next door

Orfeu is pleased to find Eurydice staying next door with Serafina. She has run away to hide from a strange man she believes wants to kill her; Orfeu chases him off and they fall in love.

Set in The neighbouring homes of Orfeu and Serafina in the favela — Orfeu is pleased to find Eurydice staying next door with Serafina. She has run away to hide from a strange man she believes wants to kill her; Orfeu chases him off and they fall in love.

The neighbouring homes of Orfeu and Serafina in the favela.

The Carnival samba parade

Serafina has Eurydice wear her Queen of the Night costume behind a veil so she can spend time with Chico. In the parade, Orfeu dances with Eurydice rather than Mira.

Set in The Carnival parade route where the samba schools march — Serafina has Eurydice wear her Queen of the Night costume behind a veil so she can spend time with Chico. In the parade, Orfeu dances with Eurydice rather than Mira.

The Carnival parade route where the samba schools march.

Characters

• Orfeu — A trolley driver and guitarist in a Rio favela, engaged to Mira.
• Eurydice — A newcomer to Rio who runs away to hide from a strange man.

Questions answered on the map

• Where in Rio was Black Orpheus's favela really filmed?