at a glance

another historical site right in the heart of the city, the paço imperial is a renovated imperial palace, which now serves as a cultural center that hosts exhibitions, seminars, concerts and plays. the palace was built in 1743, originally serving as the residence of the governor of the city. it is listed by the national artistic and historical heritage institute, and stands proud as one of the beautiful buildings on the borders of the praça xv.

a small island at the entrance to the guanabara bay, ilha fiscal is a popular tourist destination, which has played host to some momentous events in the history of rio de janeiro.  notably it hosted the party known as the 'the last ball of the empire,' days before the proclamation of the republic.

it is now under the control of the brazilian navy, but is used primarily as a tourist attraction. on the island is a 19th century gothic revival mansion, which was built by dom pedro ii, and remains a popular location to visit.