at a glance

The Square also hosts a historic fountain, which is an interesting example of architecture from the colonial period, made of carved stone. it is called the 'Chafariz da Pirâmide' (fountain of the pyramid).

Perhaps most significantly, the Square boasts the Paço Imperial
 (Imperial Palace), built in 1738, which 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.

following the Brazilian independence the building became an Imperial Palace, and became the residence of emperor dom Pedro I and dom pedro II. the palace was also the site where Princess Isabel signed the Lei Áurea, or 'Golden Law', freeing the slaves. in 1840, it was the first place to be photographed in Latin America.