Designed by architects Marcelo, Milton, and Mauricio Roberto, the Belvedere do Grinfo is situated along the downhill section of the BR-040 highway, connecting Petrópolis and Xerém. Locals once called the building Pé de Palito, roughly translating to “toothpick foot,” referring to the construction’s odd, toothpick-like base that supports a round, UFO-like interior.

Constructed in the late 1950s, the Belvedere do Grinfo opened as a disco restaurant in 1960, shortly after the highway was built. The restaurant did very well initially, becoming an almost mandatory stop for those traveling along the Rio-Petrópolis highway.

Then, Vladimir Pavelka and Helene Pavelka, a Czech-German couple who had emigrated to Brazil after World War II, opened a new restaurant in the Belvedere do Grinfo, which also did well for a time.

Unfortunately, the Belvedere do Grinfo closed down after new lanes were added to the BR-040 highway, reducing travelers to the restaurant. 

“Belvedere” is an Italian word that refers to any structure or monument whose location allows people to enjoy the view.

Despite once being a beloved stop for travelers to Rio, today the Belvedere de Grinfo has been abandoned for many years. But visitors continue to visit the building, drawn to its curious flying saucer shape.