Back in 1996, art student Leo Feijó took it upon himself to create a cultural centre in a house that his grandparents intended to put up for sale, and in the process created a cult venue that would endure as the epicentre of Rio's alternative music scene. Playing the rock and indie that the kids loved but couldn't find elsewhere, Casa da Matriz became a huge hit, so much so that Leo began searching for new venues and so the Matriz Group was born.

The original is still the best, however, and has retained the feeling of a genuine house party by keeping the upstairs rooms as they were and filling them with old furniture, arcade games and even a small shop. There is also a second dancefloor here, smaller than below where the soundsystem encroaches on the dancefloor which in turn encroaches on any spare nook available except the precious breathing space around the bar.

Long running nights like student favourites Paradiso and Sundae Tracks have kept a loyal following, and classic parties like Digital Dubs cut their teeth here before going on to grab international attention. Queues on the way in and the way out (to pay) can be the only thing hampering one of the best alternative nights out, so pick your timing carefully.