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Photo: Paulo JC Nogueira, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
These churches were built in the 18th century as part of a Carmelite Convent. After the future Portuguese King John VI of Portugal arrived in Rio in 1808 the churches became the city’s former main cathedral and the royal chapel. It was the site of coronations, and royal weddings and funerals. it features baroque and rococo architecture, with an ornate gilded interior and intricate wood carvings, mainly by one of Rio's best Rococo wood carvers of the period, Inácio Ferreira Pinto.
The Old Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is an old Carmelite church which served as cathedral (Sé) of Rio de Janeiro from around 1808 until 1976. During the 19th century, it was also used successively as Royal and Imperial Chapel by the Portuguese Royal Family and the Brazilian Imperial Family, respectively. It is located in the Praça XV square, in downtown Rio. It is one of the most important historical buildings in the city.
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Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Lapa dos Mercadores
Old Imperial Palace built in 1743 (though impressively modest). Colonial architecture.
Palácio de Tiradentes
The seat of the Legislative Assembly, visitors are welcome to wander in the corridors along the perimeter of the first floor, which tell the history of the Legislative Assembly and the building (mostly in Portuguese). Access to the second floor can be arranged through a guided tour with volunteers at the reception.
Museu Naval e Oceanográfico
Installed in a building constructed in 1868, this museum preserves articles from the seafaring history of the city.