Architectural, Cultural sights in Brazil
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Paço Imperial
Built in 1743, the Paço Imperial hosts worthwhile multimedia exhibitions. Originally built as a governor’s residence, it later served as the home to Dom João and his family when the Portuguese royals fled Napoleon and transferred the throne to the colony. In 1888 Princesa Isabel proclaimed the Freedom from Slavery Act from the palace’s steps. In addition to exhibitions, there are several restaurants, and a café and music store on the 1st floor.
reviewed
-
Museu Victor Meirelles
Victor Meirelles is not only an important figure in the history of Brazil's art, but in the development of its historical consciousness. His renderings of key moments in Brazilian history, many on display in this small museum, have been highly influential.
Victor Meirelles, acclaimed by some as the leading Brazilian artist of the 19th century, was raised in this modest colonial house on the street that now bears his name. Born into a Florianópolis merchant family in 1832, he studied art in Paris, returning to 'document' Brazilian history in paintings that celebrated the emergence of the nation and seminal moments in its history. In the 1920s and 30s, Brazilian nationalis…
reviewed
-
B
Igreja de Santa Efigênia dos Pretos
The Igreja de Santa Efigênia dos Pretos, built between 1742 and 1749 by and for the black slave community, sits atop a steep hill east of town. Santa Efigênia, patron saint of the church, was the queen of Nubia, and the featured saints – Santo Antônio do Nolo and São Benedito – are black. The slaves prayed to these images that they wouldn’t be crushed in the mines. Despite its relative lack of gold ornamentation, the church is very rich in artwork. The altar is by Aleijadinho’s master, Francisco Javier do Briton, and the exterior image of NS do Rosário is by Aleijadinho himself. The church was financed by gold extracted from Chico-Rei’s mine. Slaves contributed to the ch…
reviewed
-
C
Museu Chácara do Céu
The former mansion of art patron and industrialist Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya is now the Museu Chácara do Céu, with a small collection of modern art. In addition to works by Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, and a good assortment of European and Asian works, the museum displays furniture and Brazilian maps dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Beautiful gardens surround the museum, with fine views of Centro and Baía de Guanabara. Sadly, four of the museum’s most valuable paintings were stolen during an armed robbery in 2006.
reviewed
-
Sítio Burle Marx
The enormous 350,000-sq-meter estate, Sítio Burle Marx was once the magnificent home of Brazil’s most famous landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx. The beautifully lush gardens of the estate, 22km west of the city, easily warrant a visit. Strolling the verdantly landscaped area allows visitors the chance to see and smell thousands of exotic plant species from both Brazil and abroad. A lovely 17th-century Benedictine chapel, along with Burle Marx’s original farmhouse and studio, completes the idyllic setting.
reviewed
-
D
Casa de Benjamin Constant
This country estate served as the residence for one of Brazil’s most influential politicians in the founding of the young republic. Benjamin Constant (1837–91) was an engineer, military officer and professor before taking an active role in the Provisional Government. He is also remembered for founding a school for blind children. Painstakingly preserved, his house provides a window into his life and times. The lush gardens surrounding his estate provide a fine view over Centro and the western side of Santa Teresa.
reviewed
-
Casa Chico Mendes
Just across the street from the Fundação Chico Mendes, the teal and pink Casa Chico Mendes is just that: the simple wood house where Mendes, his wife and two children lived until his murder. This is also where he was killed; tours conducted by docents from the Foundation (required) include a graphic description of place and moment he was shot, even the bloodstains still on the walls. Photos are not permitted inside the house, but outside is OK.
reviewed
-
E
Parque Guinle & the Palácio Das Laranjeiras
Designed by French landscaper Gochet, the park has a European air, and has a small lake, lanes and lawns. Overlooking the park is the resplendent Palácio da Laranjeiras, built between 1909 and 1914 by architect Silva Telles. Today it is the official residence in Rio of the state governor, and contains the same artwork, furniture and ornamental objects from when the palace was built. You can tour parts of the palace by guided appointments.
reviewed
-
F
Museu da Misericórdia
The newly opened Museu da Misericórdia is housed in yet another marvelous 17th-century edifice, this one serving as Brazil's first hospital. Visits here include a guided tour (in Portuguese) that allows a glimpse of fine period furnishings, portraits and assorted finery dating back four centuries. You'll also see the attached Igreja da Misericórdia, with its azulejos and a sacristy featuring impressive 18th-century woodwork.
reviewed
-
Museu Hansen Bahia
The Museu Hansen Bahia occupies the birthplace and former home of Brazilian heroine Ana Nery, who organized the nursing corps during the Paraguay War. Today, it houses the work of German-Brazilian artist Hansen Bahia. Among his powerful block prints and paintings on the theme of human suffering, depicting primarily prostitutes and Christ, is a series of illustrations of Castro Alves’ poem Návio Negreiro (Slave Ship).
reviewed
Advertisement
-
G
Museu Carlos Costa Pinta
In a lovely two-story mansion, the Museu Carlos Costa Pinta houses one of Salvador's best collections of decorative art. Nicely lit displays highlight the unique works of talented artisans working in gold, crystal, porcelain and silver. Beautifully carved coral jewelry, tortoiseshell fans and elaborate balangandans (ethnic waist chains with attached charms) are among the highlights. Don't miss the charming outdoor café.
reviewed
-
H
Museu do Primeiro Reinado
A 10-minute walk east of the Quinta da Boa Vista, this former mansion of the Marquesa de Satos depicts the history of the First Reign (the reign of bumbling Dom Pedro I before he was driven out of the country). The collection includes documents, furniture and paintings, but the main attraction is the building and its interior, with striking murals by Francisco Pedro do Amaral.
reviewed
-
I
Museu Casa de Rui Barbosa
This house museum and former home of renowned Brazilian journalist and diplomat Rui Barbosa contains his library and personal belongings, along with an impressive archive of manuscripts and first editions of other Brazilian authors. Barbosa played a major role in shaping the country’s socioeconomic development in the early 20th century.
reviewed
-
Casa de Jorge Amado
The Casa de Jorge Amado, where the great writer lived with his parents while working on his first novel, has been restored and turned into a lovely and informative museum honoring Amado’s life. Not many writers can boast this sort of recognition while still alive, but he became a national treasure well before his death in 2001.
reviewed
-
Oficina do Garimpeiro
A curious attraction is the Oficina do Garimpeiro, which is a reconstructed garimpeiro (prospector) dwelling built by Coriolando Rocha, a local character and former prospector. A guided tour in Portuguese reveals the lifestyle and skills of freelance diamond hunters.
reviewed
-
J
Quinta da Boa Vista
The residence of the imperial family until the Republic was proclaimed, today Quinta da Boa Vista is a large and busy park with gardens and lakes. On weekends it’s crowded with football games and families from the Zona Norte.
reviewed
-
Igreja São Batista
While the bulk of the old town was built in the 19th century, there are a few buildings that date to the 16th century, such as the Igreja São Batista . Unfortunately, many buildings in the town are in varying states of disrepair.
reviewed
-
K
Casa dos Contos
Casa dos Contos is an 18th-century treasury building that doubled as a prison for members of the Inconfidência. The renovated mansion now houses displays on the history of gold – and money in general – in Brazil.
reviewed
-
Casa de Afrânio Peixoto
The Casa de Afrânio Peixoto displays the works and personal effects of Lençóis’ most illustrious native, in addition to old town photos. Peixoto was a writer, doctor, politician and academic.
reviewed
-
L
Faculdade de Medicina Building
The Faculdade de Medicina Building is a 19th-century historic site. The plaza feeds into the Cruzeiro de São Francisco, named for the cross in the square's center.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Palácio Boa Vista
The Palácio Boa Vista, 3.5km north of Abernéssia, is the state governor’s sprawling, English-style, antiques-filled summer residence.
reviewed
-
M
Pátio de São Pedro
The Pátio de São Pedro is a traffic-free square lined with bars, restaurants and colorfully painted 19th-century houses.
reviewed
-
Forte de São Felipe
Forte de São Felipe is a 16th-century building in the Boa Viagem neighbourhood.
reviewed
