as such, a fantastic project undertaken by brazilian architect francisco joaquim bethencourt da silva in the late nineteenth century, the cúpula do ccbb (dome of the ccbb) was built to resemble large commercial buildings that were common in paris during the time, such as the galerias lafayette. it was built in a neoclassical style, with some delightful adornments, such as large columns, beautiful marble, and a stunning dome over the rotunda - the first stone of the cúpula was laid in 1880, with the function of the building changing a number of times over the years. today it is used as a cultural center and museum, and is one of the most visited in brazil, and 17th most visited in the world.

standing proud as the first piece of neoclassical architecture in rio de janeiro, the casa frança brasil is an important historical structure, as it led the way for the french and european architectural style that would go on to partially define the city. used for various functions over the years, including judicial and financial, it has now settled as a cultural center, with close links to the state's secretary of culture.