Ilha Fiscal

Frommer's Review

This little blue-green ceramic castle afloat on its own island in the bay off Praça XV looks like the dwelling place of a fair elfin princess, but in fact was built as the headquarters for the Brazilian Customs Service. Initially a rather prosaic building was planned, but Emperor Pedro II intervened, demanding that the gem of a site be given a jewel box of a building. Designer Adolpho Del-Vecchio complied, making charming use of the Gothic Revival then sweeping Europe. Much of the interior of this gorgeous building is taken up by a small museum on the Brazilian navy (it is their island). The tour lasts about 2 1/2 hours. On weekdays, tour goers travel to the island by boat, while on weekends the trip is by bus along a causeway.

The navy also offers a separate 90-minute boat tour of four small islands bristling with destroyers, aircraft carriers, and lots more military hardware. The voyage to Ilha Fiscal, Ilha das Cobras, Ilha dos Enxadas, and Ilha Villagagnon takes place aboard a World War I-era tugboat.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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