48,437 views
Opened in 1927, Vasco da Gama's stadium, located on Rua São Januário, was created as a symbol of resistance to social prejudice, racism and anti-Portuguese sentiment. Financed by Vasco's own club and its fans, São Januário played an important political role, hosting speeches by Getúlio Vargas, orpheonic choirs led by Villa-Lobos and many important milestones in Brazilian football. Vasco celebrated great victories in its Caldeirão and saw great teams emerge from it, such as Expresso da Vitória in 1940, the team led by Roberto Dinamite in the 1980s and the team that won the 1998 Libertadores Cup. In addition to the strong foundation work carried out at the Vasco da Gama stadium, which produced great names such as Romário and Edmundo, Colina Histórica also won the affection of the majesties of Brazilian football: King Pelé's heart beat for Vasco da Gama and Queen Marta was discovered on those pitches.