Historic Garden of Catete Palace, Presidential garden at Catete Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Historic Garden of Catete Palace is a multi-level space filled with native Brazilian plants, ornamental lakes, and arched bridges positioned behind the neoclassical building. Shaded walkways connect open clearings and wind through groves of palms and planted slopes that create natural separations within the grounds.
The garden was created in the late 1800s as a retreat space for the presidents living in the palace, and it maintained this role until 1960 when the capital moved elsewhere and the palace ceased to serve as an official residence. This period of nearly 70 years shaped its layout and choice of plants.
The garden reflects how 19th-century Brazilian leaders combined European garden design with local tropical plants, creating a space that felt both formal and connected to the land. Walking through it, you can see how this style shaped what people valued about their surroundings at that time.
The space is open daily and free to visit, with guided tours available if you want to learn more about the plantings and design history. Wear comfortable shoes since the paths cover multiple levels and some sections have steep grades or uneven terrain.
The garden holds specific areas where President Getúlio Vargas spent regular time during his years in power, though these spots are not officially marked for visitors today. Knowing this history adds a different layer to a simple walk through the grounds.
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