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Photo: Fulviusbsas, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Old Imperial Palace built in 1743 (though impressively modest). Colonial architecture.
The Paço Imperial, or Imperial Palace, previously known as the Royal Palace of Rio de Janeiro and Palace of the Viceroys, is a historic building in the center of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Paço Imperial was built in the 18th century to serve as a residence for the governors of colonial Brazil. From 1808, it was used as a royal residence by King John VI of Portugal as King of Portugal and later also as King of Brazil. In 1822 it became the city palace of the monarchs of the Empire of Brazil, Pedro I and Pedro II, who used it not as a residence, but as a workplace. It was one of the main political centers of Brazil for nearly 150 years, from 1743 to 1889.
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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.
Bolsa de Rio de Janeiro
Convento Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga Sé e Igreja da Ordem Terceira do Carmo
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.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Lapa dos Mercadores
Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil - CCBB
A cultural centre with gallery, movie theatre, video room, library and stages; usually hosts the main exhibitions in town. An interesting building completed in 1906 with old-fashioned elevators/lifts.