Fiscal Island

Commissioned by Emperor Dom Pedro II in the late 19th century, Fiscal Island was originally designed to serve as the headquarters for the Customs Guard, overseeing the busy port of Rio de Janeiro. The stunning Neo-Gothic palace was designed by Adolfo José del Vecchio and was inaugurated in 1889. Its architecture was inspired by the works of Viollet-le-Duc, featuring sharp spires and intricate stonework that made it look more like a fairy-tale castle than a government office. The island is most famously known as the site of the Last Ball of the Empire, held on November 9, 1889. This lavish gala was attended by over 4,500 guests and took place just six days before the proclamation of the Republic, which saw the military overthrow the monarchy. The event has since become a symbol of the decadence and end of the Brazilian imperial era. Today, the island is under the jurisdiction of the Brazilian Navy and serves as a museum. Visitors can explore the preserved ceremonial rooms, admire the English stained glass, and view the intricate mosaic floors made of Brazilian hardwoods. It remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in Guanabara Bay, standing as a silent witness to Brazil's transition from a monarchy to a republic.