Ilha Fiscal, Historic island with neo-Gothic palace in Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Ilha Fiscal palace features three floors adorned with granite stones, stained glass windows imported from England, and a central tower reaching 7 meters high.
The island hosted Brazil's last imperial celebration in November 1889, just days before the proclamation of the Republic, with over 4,500 guests attending the grand ball.
The palace maintains three permanent exhibitions highlighting naval history, scientific contributions, and social initiatives of the Brazilian Navy through artifacts and documents.
Visitors access the island via microbus or the Escuna Nogueira da Gama boat departing from Praça XV, with guided tours available through the Museu Naval.
The island's original name was Ilha dos Ratos, referring either to rats fleeing from nearby Snake Island or the grayish color of its rocky surface.
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Location: Centro
Elevation above the sea: 7 m
GPS coordinates: -22.89690,-43.16640
Latest update: May 27, 2025 13:17
Brazilian architectural heritage reflects centuries of history, from colonial fortifications to contemporary structures. In São Paulo, the Flag Monument pays tribute to colonial expeditions, while in Belém, the Peace Theater recalls the prosperity of the rubber era. In Curitiba, the Oscar Niemeyer Museum showcases modern Brazilian architecture, and in Rio de Janeiro, the National Library holds over 9 million works in a neoclassical building. This collection brings together diverse sites that tell the story of the country’s development: military fortresses like São José de Macapá from the 18th century, cultural institutions like the Museum of Tomorrow focused on environmental issues, and managed natural spaces such as the Curitiba Botanical Garden. These sites offer an exploration of Brazil's history, architecture, and culture.
Praça XV de Novembro
1 km
National Historical Museum
1.1 km
Rio de Janeiro Stock Exchange
994 m
Teles’ House and Arch
1.1 km
Museu Histórico Nacional
1 km
Nau Capitânia
981 m
Fortaleza de São José da Ilha das Cobras
489 m
Espaço Cultural da Marinha
915 m
Fort of Santiago
1.1 km
Galeota Real
894 m
Museu Naval
1 km
Naval Museum
1 km
Chafariz do Mestre Valentim
1 km
Prédio da CONAB
937 m
General Osório da Praça XV
1.1 km
Cais do Chafariz da Praça XV de Novembro
961 m
João Candido
908 m
Atílio Correia Lima
1 km
Serviço de Documentação Geral da Marinha
1 km
Sede da Procuradoria Geral do Estado
1 km
Lampadário Suspenso do Corredor Cultural
1.1 km
Paulo Sampaio
1 km
João VI
893 m
Antiga sede da Procuradoria Geral do Estado
1.1 km
Marechal Bittencourt
983 m
Âncora
872 m
Banco Gota d'Água
1 km
Chafariz do Museu Historico Nacional
1.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes