PALÁCIO DOS LEÕES

Built at the request of Daniel de la Touche in 1612, the Palácio dos Leões (Palace of the Lions) is one of the greatest symbols of the culture of this region of Maranhão. In 1776, Governor Joaquim de Melo e Póvoas decided to demolish the palace and build a new one, more modern than the old one, but much more sober than the current version, which dates from 1857 and was extensively reworked in 1896. A new renovation campaign in 1906, led by Benedito Leite, saw the construction of the palace's vast rear wing, intended to house the state governor's residence. Leite soon acquired precious furniture and objects from Europe to furnish the building's many rooms. The Palácio Leões was enlarged with the acquisition of the building of the former tax police station of the National Treasury, which stood next door, thus considerably increasing its surface area.

During the latest restructuring of the Palácio dos Leões, the main installations and roof were completely redone, and the rich register of works of art, furniture and silverware was catalogued with apothecary precision.

After years of renovation, the palace has now been restored to its former splendor. Elegant, neoclassical in style, it is now the seat of the state government. You can visit part of it (guided tour, in French) and admire the furniture, fine glassware and paintings that adorn this magnificent, vast palace.