monument · Palmas, TO
Palácio Araguaia
The seat of the state government, it opened in 1991 on the Praça dos Girassóis and is open to visitors. The facade has plaques recording the creation of Tocantins and the founding of the capital, and the interior holds murals with historical themes.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Palácio Araguaia
The Palácio Araguaia is the seat of the Tocantins government and the best-known landmark in Palmas. It stands in the middle of the Praça dos Girassóis, at the central point of the city plan. The name honors the Rio Araguaia, one of the state's two great rivers.
The building opened on March 9, 1991. It was built in a hurry to establish Palmas as the seat of the new state, and at the time it was criticized as an extravagant project. The arches on the facade refer to the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos, in Natividade, one of the historic towns of Tocantins.
On the facade, a band of plaques records the creation of Tocantins and the founding of the capital. The entrance lobby is open to visitors and holds two large painted murals that tell part of the state's history.
The visit is quick and pairs well with a stroll around the square.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
20 to 40 minutes to see the facade and the lobby; longer if you combine it with the Praça dos Girassóis.
Best time
In the dry season, from May to September, with clear skies; the late afternoon gives the best light on the facade and is less hot for walking around the square.
How to get there
It is in the middle of the Praça dos Girassóis, in the heart of Palmas. You can walk from hotels in the central area, drive (there is parking on the square) or take a city bus downtown.
Tip
Check visiting hours on the official Tocantins government website before you go, and combine the visit with a stroll around the Praça dos Girassóis.
A look at the place
Palácio Araguaia in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palácio Araguaia
Can you visit the Palácio Araguaia?
Yes. The entrance lobby is open to visitors, with murals about the history of Tocantins. Check the hours on the official state government website.
How long does a visit to the Palácio Araguaia take?
20 to 40 minutes to see the facade and the lobby. It is worth setting aside more time for the surrounding Praça dos Girassóis.
When did the Palácio Araguaia open?
On March 9, 1991, as the seat of government of the newly created state of Tocantins.
Where is the Palácio Araguaia?
In the middle of the Praça dos Girassóis, in the heart of Palmas, easy to reach on foot, by car or by bus.
Why is the palace called Araguaia?
The name honors the Rio Araguaia, one of the state's two great rivers, along with the Rio Tocantins, which gives the state its name.