Paço de São Cristóvão, Former imperial palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paço de São Cristóvão is a neoclassical palace in Quinta da Boa Vista park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The main building displays a symmetrical facade with arched windows, while the Moorish tower rises to one side and adds a distinctive contrast to the complex.
The palace began as a country house for a wealthy merchant and was acquired by the Portuguese royal family in 1808 during their flight from Napoleon. After Brazilian independence, emperors Pedro I and Pedro II lived on the estate until the proclamation of the republic.
The name comes from the surrounding neighborhood, which honors Saint Christopher. During imperial times, it served as the stage for official receptions and diplomatic events that shaped the social life of the capital.
Access to the grounds is through several entrances along the park, with the main entrance featuring the cast iron gate being easiest to identify. Reconstruction work following the fire limits visits to certain areas, but you can walk around the exterior grounds and enter some restored rooms.
The Bendegó meteorite, which fell inland around 11,000 years ago and weighs over 5 tons (4.5 metric tons), survived the flames nearly unharmed. Its iron mass protected it from the high temperatures while collections around it were destroyed.
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