Paço Imperial of Rio de Janeiro

Today I will tell you about the Imperial Palace in Rio de Janeiro.

The Imperial Palace in Rio de Janeiro is located on Praça XV, in the center of the city and is a colonial building that was built in the 18th century to serve as an office and residence for the rulers of the Rio de Janeiro captaincy. Later it became the house of Dom Juan VI. Today it is a Cultural Center and is considered one of the most important historical and architectural buildings in Brazil.

The project began at the request of the Count of Bobadela in 1738 and was developed by Portuguese military engineer José Fernandes Pinto Alpoim. The work was inaugurated in 1742. At that time, the place, which today is Praça XV, was called Largo do Carmo or Polé. The construction of the building took advantage of what was already there before, which was the Mint and the Royal Warehouse. These worked until 1808 in the building.

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In 1808, the Royal Family arrived in Rio de Janeiro and the building was promoted to Passo Real and used as the office of the then Prince Regent Dom João XV. At that time there were modifications, adding a third floor in front of Guanabara Bay with a throne room where the hummingbird ceremony took place.

After the independence of Brazil, the building becomes “Paço Imperial” or “Paço do Rio de Janeiro”. Serving with office or eventual residence for Dom Pedro I and then Dom Pedro II, his son. On January 9, 1822, the famous Fico Day took place in the building, when the then Prince Dom Pedro I decided that he would not return to Portugal and stay in Brazil, making it clear that he intended to transform the country into an empire Independent. Another very important date is May 13, 1888, when in one of the rooms of the Imperial Palace, Princess Isabel signed the slave release document, which would have dramatic consequences for the monarchy.

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After the coup that gave rise to the Republic, the inheritance of the royal family was confiscated and the Palace became the Central Post and Telegraph Agency. Only in 1982, the National Historic and Artistic Heritage restored the palace as it had done in 1818, because the decoration had been disfigured.

A good tip for those who go there is to visit the Harlequim Café, which is located on the first floor of the building. It is a very charming and perfect cafe for those who like literature, history and a good cappuccino.

The FREE WALKING DOWNTOWN AND LAPA RIO FREE WALKING TOUR takes you to this historic point of the city. Inside the palace you will see some old photos from the time of the emperors of Brazil. All accompanied by an expert guide of our history! More information here.