Rio 2

Nara had done her homework.  She brought a sheet of paper from her bag and began referring to the notes that she had printed from her computer.  "This building is the Paço Imperial."  Surrounding the landing sight (from the Rio 1 blog) is a large plaza, Praça XV, and a stucco structure from the early 17th century.

Paço Imperial
The Palace of the Portuguese Imperial Family
in Colonial Rio 

Royal leaders announced many important declarations from the balcony above the front entrance to the Paço Imperial to crowds standing below in the broad Praça XV.
 

The Royals moved from the Paço,
but the pigeons remain.

Interior Courtyard from a Front Window

Wrought Iron Gate

Portuguese Colonial Architecture of the Paço Imperial (r)
seems modest next to the much 'newer' neighboring building.

What seems like a very modest 3-story colonial building from the front, the Paço is actually a narrow rectangular structure that stretches an entire city block deep.  When Napoleon invaded Portugal in 1808, the nobles and Imperial family came by ship to the Portuguese colony of Brasil that was established in the 1500's.  They lived in the Paço and governed Portugal from the building as well.

Paço Imperial from the Side
It stretches back for a city block.

Praça XV (Plaza Fifteen) with Paço Imperial in the Background
Portuguese colonists cut back the jungle and planted hardwood trees on the plaza.

Wrought iron gas lamps on Plaza Fifteen
light the plaza surrounding the Imperial Palace.

Our "tour guide" Nara (r) and her sister Vania
pause on Praça XV.

We left the palace with a promise to return when it was open for a look inside.  Nara led us across the plaza to a small side street.  On the way, the Gringa had to snap a couple of pictures of this American truck for my Gringo in Texas.  (He used to own a bright red farm truck very similar to this one.)

Across the street from Plaza Fifteen, men are hard at work remodeling a building
that used to house Portuguese colonists more than 200 years ago.
Rio is preparing to host the World Cup and the Olympic Games.

Nara helped us step into a time machine when we entered Travessa do Comercio through a brick arch.

A sepia mural of African slaves at Market
sets the tone for Travessa do Comercio.

This narrow cobblestone street is lined with sidewalks and shops.
Can you just imagine the 17th century crush of people at market,
with horse-drawn carts and the shouts of vendors?

A (now-electrified) gas lamp is suspended over the narrow street.

Wrought Iron and Terra Cotta Roof Tiles

Centuries

Back in Time

Colors

Blue Portuguese Tiles

Travessa bistros get ready for Saturday crowds.

We walked around this corner and that building.  At each turn there was a new, and very unexpected, view of Rio.  On Travessa do Comercio the Gringa was transported to a European city--with potted palms.

There was a lot more to see on our walk through Rio's historic Centro.  Nara led us with her tour guide's list in hand; and as we left the winding Travessa, we came upon a small photo shoot at a modern sculpture.  There was a Goth youth dressed in a suit and Chuck Taylors lying on his back across the low arching metal shape.  The photographer was standing over his model, shooting down on his subject.  We definitely were not in 17th century Europe any more!

Next up:  Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and more.  Stay tuned for Rio 3 . . .!