Rio Branco Palace, Government palace in Centro district, Salvador, Brazil
Rio Branco Palace sits at Praça Thomé de Souza, blending architectural styles with a neoclassical facade and a grand iron staircase decorated with symbolic details. The first floor offers views of All Saints Bay and São Marcelo Fort from its windows.
The palace was founded in 1549 under Governor-General Tomé de Sousa as the center of Portuguese colonial rule in Brazil. A major renovation in 1919 transformed its appearance and function for the modern era.
The Memorial of the Governors displays insignia, swords, letters, and personal items that tell stories about those who led Brazil across different eras. Walking through these rooms, you see how power was exercised and passed down through time.
The ground floor and Memorial are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with a midday break from noon to 1 PM. The location sits in the heart of the city center, making it easy to reach and explore.
The Hall of Mirrors and the Governor's Dispatch Room served as settings for power transfer ceremonies that marked important political moments in Brazil's history. These spaces quietly witnessed the events that shaped the nation.
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