Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings in Rio de Janeiro

Sandwiched between beautiful beaches and jungle-clad mountains, Rio de Janeiro castles, palaces and historic buildings are often overlooked by visitors to the city. However, these fascinating relics from Rio's colonial past are well worth seeking out, and make good rainy day options for those times when the beach just isn't an option. Centro and nearby Santa Teresa are the best places to see examples of historic architecture, as well as some extremely impressive religious buildings. Igreja da Candelaria, in Centro, and Igreja da Gloria, a five minute metro ride away, are both worthy of a visit to anyone with even the most casual interest in history and/or architecture. For those who can't bear to drag themselves too far from the sands, Fortaleza da Copacabana (Copacabana Fort) is handily located at the point where Copacabana and Ipanema beaches (nearly) meet, and is a good spot for families.

More Top Lists

Popular Places

Neighborhoods