Museu Histórico da República

From the Glória church, you can walk up to the metro station and take the train down to the next station, Catete, or take a taxi if you prefer. There, you’ll find one of the most interesting museums in the city, the Museu Histórico da República (Rua do Catete 153, noon–5 p.m. weekdays and 2–6 p.m. weekends, R$5, Wed. free), which is inside the Palácio do Catete, built between 1858 and 1866. This is where Brazil’s presidents worked and commanded while Rio was still the capital of Brazil (until about 1960). Inside, you’ll see objects and documents from the history of the republic, including the bedroom and office of ex-president Getúlio Vargas, who shot himself on the eve of the military takeover in 1954, leaving a patriotic note behind. His bloodstained pajamas are on display. There is a bookstore and souvenir shop inside.