Rio de Janeiro was Brazil's capital from 1763 to 1960 and most of the political heritage of that era is found in the neighborhoods of Catete and Laranjeiras. The tour can be done on foot and it’s ideal to leave the standard circuit and wander in the typical residential areas of Rio as well. Catete Subway Station is within walking distance of the Palacio do Catete, the former house of the government, and now the Museu da República.

There is an impressive collection in the bedroom where President Getúlio Vargas committed suicide in 1954, including his last testament and bloody pajamas. There is a complete virtual tour of museum site but you must take the time to visit the romantic garden behind the mansion in person.

 

Continuing along the Rua do Catete, against traffic, you arrive at the Rua Paissandu, surrounded by towering Imperial Palm trees. Take the street to the left and walk to the end, as the royalty did, to reach the Guanabara Palace on Rua Pinheiro Machado, the current seat of government of the State of Rio de Janeiro. The political triangle is completed at the Palacio Laranjeiras, a huge building built in 1913 by the family Guinle. Located at Rua Paulo Cezar Andrade 407, Guinle Park, the mansion is home to the governor and the surrounding buildings were designed by architect, Lúcio Costa. Tours can be booked by phone: (21) 2299-5689