Ilha Fiscal: the little castle of the Empire's last ball

Ilha Fiscal is a small island in Guanabara Bay, opposite Rio’s historic downtown. It is home to the Ilha Fiscal Palace, the green “little castle” with pointed towers that catches the eye of anyone walking along the waterfront. Today it is part of the Brazilian Navy’s cultural complex, according to Wikipedia.

A Customs post shaped like a castle

In the 19th century, the Ministry of Finance needed a Customs post close to the anchored ships to control goods coming through the port. The little island, then called Ilha dos Ratos (Rat Island), was ideal. Engineer Adolpho José Del Vecchio designed a small castle in Gothic-Provençal style, inspired by the ideas of French architect Viollet-le-Duc, with medieval spires and battlements, according to Wikipedia.

The building was inaugurated on April 27, 1889, attended by Emperor Pedro II.

The Empire’s last ball

A few months later, the island hosted the most famous party of the Brazilian monarchy. The Ilha Fiscal Ball took place on November 9, 1889, officially in honor of the officers of the Chilean ship Almirante Cochrane. Six days later, on November 15, the Republic was proclaimed, according to Wikipedia. That is why the event became known as “the last ball of the Empire”.

How to visit

Boats to Ilha Fiscal leave from the Navy Cultural Space (Espaço Cultural da Marinha), on the Orla Conde, between Largo da Candelária and Praça XV, according to Wikipedia. The same space has historic vessels to visit, such as the galliot used by the royal family, the submarine Riachuelo and a replica of a Portuguese carrack.

Seeing it from outside

Even without taking the tour, Ilha Fiscal is one of the most beautiful sights downtown. From the waterfront between Praça XV and Candelária, the little castle rises from the water, with the bay and the mountains of Niterói behind it.

Nearby

The Paço Imperial, on Praça XV.
The Banco do Brasil Cultural Center, on the same waterfront.
The Olympic Boulevard, which follows the waterfront to Praça Mauá.

For other outings on the bay, see tours in Rio and the ferry to Niterói and Paquetá.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Ilha Fiscal Ball?

The monarchy's last great party, on November 9, 1889, officially in honor of the officers of a Chilean ship. Six days later, on November 15, the Republic was proclaimed, according to Wikipedia.

How do I visit Ilha Fiscal?

Boats to the island leave from the Navy Cultural Space (Espaço Cultural da Marinha), on the Orla Conde, between Praça XV and Candelária, according to Wikipedia. Days, times and prices have not been confirmed by this guide: check with the Navy.

Why does the island have a castle?

The building was built as a Customs post to inspect goods in the port. Engineer Adolpho José Del Vecchio chose a small castle in Gothic-Provençal style, inaugurated on April 27, 1889, according to Wikipedia.

Ilha Fiscal