Palacio Rio Branco (Rio Branco Palace), Salvador

Palacio Rio Branco (Rio Branco Palace), Salvador

The Rio Branco Palace (Palacio Rio Branco) is an imposing palace and museum in the historical center of Salvador. Built in 1549, Rio Branco Palace is one of the oldest palaces in the country.

Construction on the palace started under the first governor-general of Brazil, Tome de Sousa. Its purpose was to serve as the center of the Portuguese administration. It was known for its beauty and the vast number of rare books housed in the palace's library. Sadly, a bomb in 1912 devastated part of the building and destroyed all of the rare books in the palace's collection.

The palace was reconstructed in 1919 and was given a new, Neoclassical appearance. It was named in honor of Jose Paranhos, Baron of Rio Branco, a diplomat, historian, politician, and professor; considered the "father of Brazilian diplomacy."

Palacio Rio Branco is now home to the Pedro Calmon Foundation and Museum. It is part of the historical city center UNESCO World Heritage site.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Salvador. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Palacio Rio Branco (Rio Branco Palace) on Map

Sight Name: Palacio Rio Branco (Rio Branco Palace)
Sight Location: Salvador, Brazil (See walking tours in Salvador)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Salvador, Brazil

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Create Your Own Walk in Salvador

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Salvador Introduction Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles