at a glance

the majority of Governors in recent years have preferred to reside in Gávea Pequena, or 'Small Gávea', therefore the domicil is mainly used as a temporary residency for the President on visits as well as for diplomatic receptions.

Amongst its many fine features of the palace are paintings by Frans Post, the highly acclaimed 17th Century Dutch painter, a replica of the piano that belonged to Queen Marie Antoinette of France, marble mosaics with gold ceramics, sculptures and beautiful, period furniture.

The outer aesthetic of the building is Baroque and Eclectic, evoking early French styles - The main front façade, facing the park, was inspired by the Casino de Monte Carlo, while the side of the Palace is where its striking beauty really manifests itself. The gardens that surround the palace constituted of great lawns and a lake, leading into Parque Guinle, or 'Guinle Park'.