at a glance

november 15th, the proclamation of the republic day (proclamação da república) is the day set aside as a national holiday to celebrate the overthrow of emperor pedro ii by field marshal manuel deodoro da fonseca in 1889 - and Praça XV de Novembro  (Fifteenth of November Square), is one of the most historically rich locales in the region, having been the center of the city during the colonial period.

It contains a range of seminal buildings and sites, amongst which is the Arco do Teles, or 'Tele's Arcs', which is the site of an array of bars and restaurants. The building which encompasses the arcs was built in 1743, and was designed by the same engineer as the Paço Imperial (Imperial Palace).

After passing under the arcs, one reaches the Travessa do Comércio, or 'Trade alley' where there are a web of small, picturesque alleyways and quaint, old homes.