Palace of the Eleven Windows, Historic site and modern art museum in Cidade Velha, Brazil.
The Palace of the Eleven Windows is a two-story colonial building with symmetrical architecture and Portuguese design elements overlooking the riverfront in Belém. The structure follows a classical layout with a central courtyard that connects rooms on both sides and provides natural light throughout the interior.
A sugar production master founded this residence in 1700, and it later became a military hospital in 1768 under the direction of Italian architect Giuseppe Landi. This transformation marked a major turning point in how the building was used and shaped its interior for decades.
The building takes its name from the eleven symmetrical windows that structure its riverside facade and embody Portuguese architectural traditions. These openings define the place's visual character and are the first detail visitors notice when entering the courtyard.
The site is located in the heart of Cidade Velha near the riverfront promenade with restaurants and small shops within walking distance. The stairs to the upper floors are steep, so comfortable shoes are recommended and visitors should allow time for leisurely exploration.
The house concealed its original function as a sugar processing site within its thick walls for decades before being rebuilt as a hospital. It was only later that clues to its industrial past were uncovered in hidden rooms, some of which remain visible in certain corners today.
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