São Miguel Palace is a colonial two-story house with a grand external staircase and lancet windows. Palm trees and ominously raised cannons flank the palace, which overlooks a sloping, cobbled square near the ocean. Take a tour of the intriguing house to appreciate its period furniture and décor.
Admire the stained-glass window by artist Aurora Lima, portraying the Archangel Michael. Rummage through the colonial treasures of the house, which consists of two floors and a basement. The lower floor once served as the residence of the state’s governor and is now used for administrative offices. Inspect the murals by local artist Wash Rodrigues. Climb to the second floor for a panoramic view of the ocean and the forested hills of the island.
Stand in the plaza and capture photos of the building’s bright red façade. Its window frames, balconies and pillars are all white, while a green Brazilian national flag is hoisted outside. Examine the four cannons protecting the front of the site, two of which stand on wheels. The two central guns flank an artistic monument with an informative plaque.
Hear about the origins of the building, which was constructed in 1947 as the administrative headquarters of the State District of Fernando de Noronha. Communist former political prisoner Mariano Lucena coordinated the construction. Learn about the prison over whose ruins the building was erected. Note the evidence of the former prison in parts of the stone in the walls.
Visit the building for free Monday through Friday from morning until early evening. It closes for a couple hours at noon.
São Miguel Palace is in the region of Vila dos Remédios on the northeastern part of the island. The building and cannons overlook the cobbled Arms Plaza that slopes downward toward the ocean. Visit nearby attractions, such as the colonial church, Cachorro Beach and Conceicão Beach.