times are constantly changing and perhaps there is no better reminder of this in rio than praça xv, daily hub of thousands of commuters and visitors to the city. many today walk by praça xv, yet not many realize the great historical importance of this square. praça xv, or more formally praça xv de novembro, has a history reaching back to brazil's colonial period.  

praça xv (november xv square) was the place, where the portuguese royal family landed after fleeing the advancing army of napoleon in europe.