Ilha Fiscal

Floating like a turquoise dream in the emerald waters of Guanabara Bay, Ilha Fiscal is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most evocative landmarks. As we approach the island by boat, the sight of the emerald-green Neo-Gothic palace rising…

Our journey begins on the mainland at the Naval Cultural Space near Praça XV. This area is the gateway to the island and holds its own historical treasures. …

As you step onto the island, you are greeted by the magnificent facade of the palace, designed by engineer Adolfo Del Vecchio. The building is a rare example of Neo-Gothic architecture in Brazil, inspired by the castles of the…

We now enter the 'Torreão' or the Admiral’s Tower, which served as the workplace for the highest fiscal official on the island. This room is a masterpiece of interior design, intended to impress the ship captains and merchants…

Moving into the 'Salão Nobre' or Great Hall, we find the space that hosted the social event of the century. This vast, elegantly appointed room was the primary setting for the state dinners and receptions that the island was…

Let us pause to reflect on the events of November 9, 1889. The 'Last Ball' was ostensibly a tribute to the officers of a Chilean warship, the Almirante Cochrane, which was visiting Rio. …

Finally, we look up toward the Clock Tower, the highest point of the palace. While the tower itself is not always open to the public, it remains the island’s most recognizable silhouette, visible from the ferries and the planes…

As we prepare to board the ferry for our return to the mainland, take one last look at the turrets of the palace. Ilha Fiscal is more than just a beautiful building; it is a symbol of the end of an era and the birth of a new…