Rio de Janeiro holds an exclusive title in world history: it is the only city outside the European continent to have hosted the government of a European empire.
Did you know that Rio de Janeiro holds an exclusive title in world history? It is the only city outside the European continent to have hosted the government of a European empire. This fascinating chapter forever transformed the city's architecture, culture, and importance on the global map.
It all happened in 1808. To escape the advance of Napoleon Bonaparte's troops in Europe, the Portuguese Royal Family, led by King João VI, made a drastic decision: they packed up the entire court – about 15,000 people, including nobles, ministers, and servants – and crossed the Atlantic Ocean lock, stock, and barrel. Upon landing in Rio de Janeiro, the city was elevated to the status of the empire's headquarters.
Between 1808 and 1821, Rio de Janeiro was officially the capital of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves. The presence of the court required a lightning-fast modernization of the city, resulting in the creation of institutions that are our greatest pride today, such as the Botanical Garden, the National Library, and the Bank of Brazil.
Cariocando Tip: Want to feel like royalty? Take a walk through the Paço Imperial, located in Praça XV, in Downtown Rio. This was the first palace where the Royal Family settled upon arrival and the site of historical decisions, such as the signing of the Golden Law (Lei Áurea).
