at a glance

built in 1738, the Paço Imperial (Imperial Palace) was home to King John VI of Portugal on his arrival to Brazil in 1808.

It is considered one of the most important colonial civil buildings in the country - After Brazilian independence the building became an Imperial Palace, and became the residence of emperor dom Pedro I and dom pedro II.  

In was also in this palace that Princess Isabel signed the Lei Áurea, or 'Golden Law', freeing the slaves, and, in 1840, it was the first place to be photographed in Latin America.

It is now an important Cultural Center, hosting seminars, live music, theater and exhibitions. It also features an art and architecture library, the Biblioteca Paulo Santos, and several bookstores.