historic monument · Petrópolis, RJ
Palácio Quitandinha
Built in 1944 to be the largest casino in Latin America, it lost its purpose two years later, when gambling was banned in the country. Today it hosts exhibitions and events, and the lake in front is shaped like the map of Brazil.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Palácio Quitandinha
When it opened in 1944, Quitandinha aimed to be the largest hotel-casino in South America. Businessman Joaquim Rolla built a building with 440 rooms and enormous halls, decorated by American designer Dorothy Draper. As a casino, it did not last long: in April 1946 gambling was banned in Brazil.
Its size is still impressive. The Salão Mauá has a dome 30 meters high and 50 meters across, cited among the largest concrete domes in the world. In front of the palace, the lake is shaped like the map of Brazil.
Part of the building became residential apartments. The historic areas open to the public make up the Centro Cultural Sesc Quitandinha, opened in 2023, with exhibitions, free guided visits, a café and even a bowling alley.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About an hour for the guided visit, plus a walk around the lake.
Best time
Closed on Mondays. Weekends and holidays are the busiest days; on weekdays the visit is quieter.
How to get there
Av. Joaquim Rolla, 2, in the Quitandinha neighborhood, about 5 km from the historic center. Go by car, taxi or ride-hailing app.
Tip
The guided visit is free and tells the story of each hall: it is better than wandering on your own.
Official website
A look at the place
Palácio Quitandinha 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 Quitandinha
Can you visit the Palácio Quitandinha?
Yes. The historic areas make up the Centro Cultural Sesc Quitandinha, open Tuesday to Sunday.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. Admission and the guided visit are free.
Is the lake really shaped like Brazil?
Yes. The lake in front of the palace was designed with the outline of the map of Brazil.
Is it still a hotel or a casino?
No. The casino closed in 1946, when gambling was banned in the country. Today the building has residential apartments and the Sesc cultural center.