Palácio Tiradentes, Rio de Janeiro

The Tiradentes Palace, located in the Centro neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, was officially opened on May 6, 1926. It served as the former headquarters for the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil from 1926 to 1960 and currently houses the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro. This grand structure replaced a previous building that had occupied the same location. The initial construction, known as the House of Chamber and Jail, was commissioned by the local government of Rio de Janeiro back in 1631.

The older imperial building was demolished in 1922 to make way for the Tiradentes Palace, an imposing edifice designed in the eclectic architectural style by Archimedes Memoria and Francisque Couchet. It was named in honor of Tiradentes, who was executed for his involvement in a conspiracy against the Portuguese crown in 1789, aimed at establishing a republic in Minas Gerais.

The architectural style of the building predominantly exhibits eclecticism, incorporating classical and Renaissance elements. In front of the palace stands a prominent statue of Tiradentes, created by sculptor Francisco de Andrade, which mirrors the portrayal of Tiradentes as a Christian martyr-like figure as depicted by the painter Décio Villares.

In 1960, the Tiradentes Palace became the home of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Guanabara, which existed from 1960 to 1975. Subsequently, it transitioned to housing the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro, a role it continues to fulfill to this day. Notably, all Brazilian presidents from 1926 to 1960 took their oath of office at the Tiradentes Palace, starting with Washington Luís, who was the first to do so, and concluding with Juscelino Kubitschek.

Why You Should Visit:
The admire beautiful architecture while learning about a piece of Rio.
You can have a guided tour in Portuguese, but also in English, and it's for free.
During the tour you gain access to areas normally not accessible for the general public.