Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is often referred to as 'Cidade Maravilhosa' or the 'Marvelous City'. But behind its famous landmarks and beautiful beaches is a rich history waiting to be discovered.

Through the General Archive of Rio de Janeiro City, we can discover never-seen-before historic film of Rio from over 100 years ago. From Copacabana to carnival, let's take a look at four iconic symbols of Rio's culture...

Copacabana is a neighborhood in Rio's South Zone, renowned for its 4km beach, it's a global symbol of beauty and relaxation. This iconic spot offers a taste of Rio's vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty.

These world-famous steps in Rio are a vibrant mosaic of tiles from around the globe. Created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, they represent his "tribute to the Brazilian people" and the spirit of cultural exchange.

Christ the Redeemer, an Art Deco statue of Jesus, was constructed from 1922 to 1931 and stands as a powerful symbol of faith. The statue is 30 meters high, excluding its pedestal, and its outstretched arms span 28 meters wide.

Visit by US Secretary of State, Elihu Root, to the Conde dos Arcos Palace in Rio de Janeiro, then headquarters of the Federal Senate. For the first time in history, a US Secretary of State participated in an overseas event.

Reconstruction work for the Monroe Palace, which was the seat of the Federal Senate. It was designed as Brazil's pavilion at the 1904 Universal Exhibition that took place in Saint Louis in the United States of America.

Dismantled at the end of the Universal Exhibition in 1904, the pavilion was rebuilt and reinaugurated in Rio de Janeiro in 1906 to host the Third Pan-American Conference.

General view of the National Exhibition of the Centenary of the Opening of Brazilian Ports to Friendly Nation (1808-1908), held in Urca.

Night view of the lighting of the 1922 International Exhibition pavilions, in celebration of 100 years of independence.

Shot of the area where the 1922 International Exhibition took place, near Castelo and the 15th of November Square (Praça XV). Later, the area would host the International Sample Fairs (Feiras Internacionais de Amostras) between 1928 and 1940.

General view of the pavilions at the Seventh International Sample Fair.

Center and right: Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas visits a drink stand at the Seventh International Sample Fair, along with a group of officials.

Players from the Brazilian and Mexican teams on the field at the recently inaugurated Maracanã Stadium on 06/24/1950. In the foreground is the left-back Bigode and on the right and in the back, the midfielder Bauer.

Fans in the stands at the Maracanã Stadium during the 1950 World Cup.

Night view of the Congress Square located in the Aterro do Flamengo area, during the 36th International Eucharistic Congress.

A procession of priests and cardinals during the 36th International Eucharistic Congress, at the Aterro do Flamengo, in July 1955.

Carnival mural in the New Tunnel (Túnel Novo) in Botafogo, paying tribute to Rio de Janeiro (designated here as the World Environmental Capital) in 1991, one year before hosting ECO-92.

Outline of the spaces for the Conference at Aterro do Flamengo - Summit of the Peoples (Cúpula dos Povos).

Opening of the Pan-American Games held at the Maracanã Stadium, on 07/13/2007.

Cauê, mascot for the 2007 Pan-American Games, at the entrance to the Maracanã Stadium.

Aerial view of the Maracanã Sports Complex during the 2014 World Cup.

The German team celebrates its fourth World Cup win along with the crowd at the Maracanã Stadium.

A general shot of the stands and the field at the Maracanã Stadium. during the finals of the 2014 World Cup on 06/13/2014.

Opening of the 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracanã Stadium.

Former volleyball player Isabel Salgado carried the Olympic torch to the Corcovado in front of the Christ the Redeemer statue.