Ilha Fiscal
A small green neo-Gothic castle on an island in Guanabara Bay, where the Brazilian Empire's 'last ball' was held.
Ilha Fiscal is a small island in Guanabara Bay. The customs house on the island, completed in 1889, is a pale green neo-Gothic castle whose towers and stained glass look like a fairy tale. On November 9 of that year, the imperial government held a grand ball here. Six days later, the monarchy was overthrown, and the event is known as the Empire's last ball. The island is now managed by the Brazilian Navy. Visitors may only join guided tours organized by the Naval Cultural Center. Boats or buses take you to the island for about BRL 40. It is open Thursday to Sunday, and spots are limited. The meeting point is the Naval Cultural Center (Espaço Cultural da Marinha) downtown, about a 5-minute walk from Praça XV.
Opening hours
Thu-Sun approx. 12:30-16:00; departures in batches
Nearby sights
- Praça XV & Paço Imperial
- Monastery of São Bento
- Museu do Amanhã / Porto Maravilha
- Confeitaria Colombo
- National Museum of Fine Arts
- Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
- Real Gabinete Português de Leitura
- Pedra do Sal