Tiradentes Palace was built on the site of the Cadeia Velha—a historic jail that once imprisoned Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, or Tiradentes, a revolutionary who fought for an independent Brazil, and who was executed in 1792 as a result. Today, a statue of him stands right outside the palace, and the building that now bears his name carries that association with freedom and liberation.
You can explore the building’s permanent exhibitions and attend free guided tours to learn more about its history (as well as admire its splendid neoclassical design, courtesy of architects Archimedes Memoria and Francisque Couchet). Tiradentes Palace also appears on a number of sightseeing itineraries, including walking tours and bike excursions.
Tiradentes Palace is free to enter.
While Rio de Janeiro’s Centro neighborhood has been rejuvenated in recent years, it’s worth leaving valuables in your hotel room using street smarts.
In addition to the permanent exhibitions dedicated to its own history, Tiradentes Palace hosts an array of temporary exhibitions and events.
Tiradentes Palace is located at Rua Primeiro de Março, just off the Praça Quinze de Novembro, in Rio de Janeiro’s Centro neighborhood. Rideshare services and taxis make getting there easy; alternatively, if using public transportation, take the VLT Carioca tram (use the Praça XV stop), the Metrô (use the Carioca/Centro stop), and even numerous ferry lines (use the Praça XV terminal).
Tiradentes Palace is open Monday to Friday, from morning until early evening. You can explore on free 30-minute guided tours in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The palace is likely to be especially busy on April 21—Tiradentes Day, a national holiday.
Just adjacent to Tiradentes Palace is another major Brazilian landmark and architectural highlight: the Imperial Palace, or Paço Imperial. Occupied by the Portuguese royal family after they fled to Brazil to flee Napoleon in 1808, the landmark is today host to a cultural center where exhibitions and live events are held.
