One of the most important sites in the country’s recent history, the Casa Histórica de Deodoro, is located in the center of the city of Rio de Janeiro, in a townhouse at number 197 of Praça da República. CHD is under the administrative responsibility of the Army Historical Museum and Fort of Copacabana (MHEx/FC).

In addition to serving as a residence for Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca, proclaimer of the Brazilian Republic, it was at the Deodoro Historical House that the first Republican Ministry was decided on, on November 9, 1889.

Like all residences built in the early 19th century, the Historic House of Deodoro has typical characteristics of an urban residential townhouse from the colonial period.

It was built with stone, lime and whale oil, materials widely used by the Portuguese in the constructions of the period. Some internal walls were originally built in rammed earth, wattle and daub and wood, later replaced by brick walls, in the various renovations carried out. However, its façade retains its original features, featuring stone-framed jambs and several openings.

As in every townhouse at the end of the colonial period, the House had its two floors with well-defined functions.

The ground floor was intended for the storage of carts drawn by animals (which is why there is a wider central entrance), as housing for the family’s slaves, or even for the installation of commercial activities. Therefore, it constituted the least noble part of the property, since it was dedicated to manual work.

Upstairs was the real home of the family. There was a balcony at the front from which you could watch the street movement; the reception room, made up of little furniture; a corridor that connected it to the rooms, which were devoid of windows to the outside, characteristic of the Lusitanian habits of family retreat; and, finally, the main meeting point for the family: the dining room.

Cultural Space Historic House of Deodoro
The Cultural Space Casa Histórica de Deodoro is open to visitors, which can be guided, by appointment, with free admission. The cultural space houses a permanent exhibition that traces the history of Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca and the historical period of Brazilian politics. In the collection are photographs, personal objects, furniture, documents and newspapers of the time. It is located at Praça da República, nº 197 – Centro – Rio de Janeiro.

Location talks!

Deodoro da Fonseca residence and Museum of the Army

Deodoro da Fonseca residence and Museum of the Army

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