La Ravardière Palace: A Historic Monument in the City

Published on February 28, 2017 · Updated on June 3, 2025

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La Ravardière Palace in São Luís do Maranhão

The La Ravardière Palace, built in 1689, is one of the city’s first major buildings and currently serves as the administrative headquarters of the Municipal Government.

Pintura do Palácio de La Ravardière — Painting of La Ravardière Palace

Historical heritage

The Palais de La Ravardière has been declared a Historic Monument and is located in one of the city’s most beautiful squares, the Praça Dom Pedro II, which is a civic square as it houses the seats of civil and religious power, including the Palais dos Leões (State Government), the Forum of Justice, the Cathedral of Sé and the Episcopal Palace.

History and renovations

Before becoming the City Hall, the mansion served as the Town Hall and the prison.

After its change of function, it underwent a series of renovations that gave it its current features, including one carried out in the 1930s by the São Luís City Hall, which sought to correct the deficiencies of the capital’s buildings and also affected the structure of this building.

The remodelling of some of the public spaces in the Palais de La Ravardière was intended to adapt them to new conditions of use and hygiene, making them healthier.

But the intention was also to adapt these spaces to the new technologies of transport (cars), services (lighting, sewers, etc.) and construction (concrete) that were emerging at the beginning of the 20th century.

The most significant remodelling of the palace took place in the town hall, with the addition of workshops and garages for official cars.

Palácio de La Ravardière (Sede da Prefeitura Municipal) — Palace of La Ravardière (Town Hall)

Architectural structure

In keeping with the architectural tradition of the city, the Palais de La Ravardière is not very tall, with only two floors that used to house the prison and have now been adapted for the administrative work of the city council.

The aesthetics of the place are not striking, perhaps due to the lack of organisation.

The façade of the palace is asymmetrical, decorated with a shell and stylised acanthus leaves, suggesting a small pediment. On the upper floor, the glazed windows have balconies and are decorated at the top.

The decoration extends to the corbels supporting the small balconies.

On the ground floor, the windows have depressed arches with carved iron flags. The decoration, similar to that of the upper windows, is confined to the main arch.

Palácio de La Ravardière — Castle of La Ravardière

Staircase and tributes

The staircase leading to the upper floor of the Palais de La Ravardière is remarkable for its design and balustrades. Recently, during the 2013 demonstrations in June, the windows of the palace were smashed and later replaced.

The palace is named in honour of Daniel de La Touche, Lord of La Ravardière, who is considered the founder of the city.

In front of the building there is a bronze bust of the captain, sculpted by the artist Bibiano Silva. On special occasions, such as the Pink October and Christmas, the façade of the building is lit up.

Conclusion

The Palace is an important symbol of the history and culture of São Luís do Maranhão, reflecting both the architectural evolution of the city and the importance of the local historical heritage.

São Luís do Maranhão Tourist Guide

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →