Photo: Lyssuel Calvet from São Luis, Brasil · CC BY 2.0 · editedPalácio dos Leões
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Palacio dos Leoes is a government palace on the upper promontory where Sao Luis began, in Centro, Sao Luis, Brazil.
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Fulviusbsas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · edited
Why go
- A corridor is paved with carved stone from Portugal.
- The rear wing built for the governor’s residence contains furnishings and decorations acquired from Europe.
Opening hours
Today09:00 – 17:00Show all
MondayClosed
Tuesday09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday09:00 – 17:00
Thursday09:00 – 17:00
Friday09:00 – 17:00
Saturday09:00 – 17:00
Sunday09:00 – 17:00
Don't miss
- Lion heraldic shieldPainted on tiles, the shield inspired the palace’s lasting name.Palace façade and tiles
Know before you go
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00.
Interesting facts2
-
The palace houses the government of the state of Maranhão.
Palacio de los Leones (São Luís) - Wikipedia -
It stands on the upper part of the promontory where Sao Luis was founded.
Palacio de los Leones (São Luís) - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
The palace was rebuilt and altered over time, including a new stone-and-lime building in 1766 and a rear wing in 1906.
- 1612A French fort was founded at the site.
- 1615After the French were expelled, the Portuguese renamed the fort San Felipe. Jerónimo de Albuquerque began a governor’s residence inside it, designed by military engineer Francisco Frías de Mesquita.
- 1624Francisco de Albuquerque Coelho de Carvalho ordered the fort and residence rebuilt in stone and lime.
- 1762The original building stopped serving as both a home and administrative office.
- 1766Governor Joaquín de Mello y Póvoas ordered a new stone-and-lime government palace.
Show all
- 1857Renovations moved the entrance to the centre of the main façade.
- 1863Renovations added gas lighting and extended the corridor with carved Portuguese stone.
- 1906Benedito Leite added a rear wing for the governor’s residence and acquired European furnishings and decorations.
- 1990s–2000The interior and façades were fully restored.
Sources: Palacio de los Leones (São Luís) - Wikipedia · checked 27 Oct 2026
Where
R. Dom Pedro II, S/N Centro, Sao Luis State of Maranhao
- Phone
- +55 98 2108-9108
Questions and answers
When is Palacio dos Leoes open?
It is open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00.
Where is Palacio dos Leoes?
It is at R. Dom Pedro II, S/N, Centro, Sao Luis, State of Maranhao.
What is Palacio dos Leoes used for?
It houses the government of the state of Maranhão.
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