Paço Imperial in Brief:
Paço Imperial is an architectural treasure listed by the National Artistic and Historical Heritage Institute (IPHAN). It also houses IPHAN's Cultural Center, which features permanent and temporary exhibits, a library, a theater, a cinema, a bookstore, a cafe and Atrium Restaurante.
Paço (pronounced PAHS-so) is a Portuguese term for a palace or a mansion.
Location:
Praça XV de Novembro, 48
Centro (Downtown)
Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Phone & Website:
(21)2533-4407
(21)2533-4359
www.pacoimperial.com.br
Hours:
Mon-Fri, 1p-5p
History of the Building:
Built in 1699, Casa da Moeda - the Brazilian Mint - was the original construction which, together with an adjacent warehouse built in the early eighteenth century, was adapted and built upon by military engineer José Fernandes Alpoim in order to become the dwelling of colonial governors.
First occupied in 1743, the paço would serve as the residence of seven viceroys between 1763 and 1808, after the seat of colonial rule had been transferred from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro. Important elements were added to the surrounding area in that period, including the water fountain created by outstanding mason Mestre (Master) Valentim.When the Portuguese Court was transferred to Rio de Janeiro in 1808 due to Napoleon's imminent invasion of Portugal, the building was chosen to be the home of the royal family. Submitted to further remodeling and additions, it took on its palatial appearance and was named Paço Real. The royals eventually moved to another area of Rio - São Cristóvão - and into Solar da Boa Vista, reserving the Paço for official purposes.
Between 1822, when Regent Prince Pedro II declared Brazil independent from Portugal, and 1890, when the country became a Republic and the building was turned into the postal service headquarters, the renamed Paço Imperial was the site of major historical events, including Princess Isabel's signing of Lei Áurea (1888), the law which ended slavery in Brazil.
