Aquiraz Town Hall and Prison, Colonial museum in Aquiraz, Brazil.
Aquiraz Town Hall and Prison is a rectangular structure with a hipped roof and balustered balconies characteristic of Portuguese colonial design. An imperial coat of arms medallion adorns the facade, emphasizing the connection to colonial authority.
The building was established in 1745 as a civic institution serving dual administrative and detention purposes for more than 200 years. Its penal function ended in 1967, after which the space took on different roles.
The building reflects how Portuguese colonial rule shaped local governance and punishment systems in daily life. The shared space served both administrative and penal functions, showing how power operated under a single roof.
The location is at Praça Cônego Araripe 22 in central Aquiraz, making it easy to reach on foot from the main square. It is advisable to check current access arrangements or ask locally about visiting hours.
Specialized windows near the entrance allowed residents to pass food and supplies to prisoners held inside. This small architectural detail reveals how the community and the detained population remained connected daily.
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