Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace, in Rio de Janeiro

The Imperial Palace, or Paço Imperial, is a sober colonial building of the Praça XV, former residence of the emperors of Brazil. The Rio de Janeiro audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this major witness of the colonial and imperial history, in the heart of the historic district.

The residence of the emperors of Brazil

The great white building that occupies a whole side of the Praça XV, sober and modest in appearance, was nonetheless the residence of the emperors Dom Pedro I and Dom Pedro II. It was built in the eighteenth century, initially intended to serve as a residence for the governors of the Portuguese colony. But its destiny changed at the beginning of the nineteenth century: when the court of Portugal, fleeing the armies of Napoleon, came to settle in Rio de Janeiro, the palace became the seat of the royal then imperial power, and the political heart of Brazil. It is here that decisive events of the history of the country unfolded, notably episodes linked to the independence and to the abolition of slavery, signed within these walls. Despite its considerable role, the building keeps a sober colonial architecture, without the flashy pomp of the great European palaces, in the image of the simplicity of the beginnings of the town. Today transformed into a cultural centre, the Paço Imperial hosts exhibitions and events. A witness of history and former heart of power, the Imperial Palace is a must-see stop of the discovery of Rio de Janeiro.

What to see

You admire the great white building with a sober colonial architecture that occupies a side of the Praça XV, built in the eighteenth century for the governors of the colony then become, with the arrival of the Portuguese court, the residence of the emperors Dom Pedro I and II and the political heart of Brazil, where decisive acts were signed including the abolition of slavery, today a cultural centre. The Imperial Palace is a witness of the history of Rio. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Imperial Palace lies on the Praça XV, in the heart of the historic district of Rio de Janeiro, reachable on foot and by public transport. Become a cultural centre, it hosts exhibitions according to its own hours and conditions, which vary; entry is often free. It is best to check the programme before coming.

What is the Imperial Palace of Rio de Janeiro?

A great white building with a sober colonial architecture on the Praça XV, built in the eighteenth century for the governors of the colony then become the residence of the emperors Dom Pedro I and II and the political heart of Brazil, where decisive acts were signed including the abolition of slavery; it today shelters a cultural centre.

Where is the Imperial Palace in Rio de Janeiro?

On the Praça XV, in the heart of the historic district of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil.