History and Architecture of the Palácio do Campo das Princesas in Recife PE

The Campo das Princesas Palace was built in 1841 in neoclassical style, but over time it was rebuilt and expanded in eclectic style.

Neoclassicism was an artistic and literary period that emerged in the mid-eighteenth century, being an opposition to Baroque and Rococo.The elements of Greco-Roman architecture, as we have commented, served as inspiration. The peak of the style was until the 19th century, serving as a guide for architectural works and the other artistic movements of the time. 

Eclecticism in architecture had its origins closely linked to the industrial revolutions that took place in Europe and the United States throughout the 19th century. 

This period was also marked by advances in engineering, a fact that enabled new elements and techniques to be introduced into buildings, such as the use of steel, glass, wrought iron and laminated glass. 

Check out the main ones now characteristics of eclectic architecture:

  • the symmetry of spaces;
  • the appreciation of greatness;
  • the prestige of luxury and decorative wealth;
  • the rigidity of the classification of indoor environments;
  • the emphasis on proportion;
  • the import of building materials such as iron;
  • the presence of columns and other ornamental pieces;
  • the expressiveness, drama and sophistication of the buildings.  
  • the presence of one or more architectural styles;
  • the emergence and growth of interior designers.

In 1859 it received a pompous decoration to host Emperor D. Pedro II and his family – the current name of the Palace comes from that time in honor of the Emperor’s daughters.

After this golden phase, the palace underwent an extension in 1873, when another floor was built at the rear of the main building to serve as the governor’s residence, and two other separate buildings for general services.

Between 1918 and 1922, the largest modifications were made with an extension of the third floor to the main façade and the demolition of the small ancillary buildings.

Palace of the Field of Princes in Recife PE
Palace of the Field of Princes in Recife PE

Since then, its architectural ensemble has assumed the volumetric configuration similar to the one we know today.

História do Palácio do Campo das Princesas em Recife

Architecture of the Campo das Princesas Palace

The Campo das Princesas Palace was built in 1841 in neoclassical style, but over time it was rebuilt and expanded in eclectic style.

In 1859 it received a pompous decoration to host Emperor D. Pedro II and his family – the current name of the Palace comes from that time in honor of the Emperor’s daughters.  

Painting by E. Bauch, 1850 with the Campo das Princesas Palace on the right and the Santa Isabel Theater on the left,
Painting by E. Bauch, 1850 with the Campo das Princesas Palace on the right and the Santa Isabel Theater on the left,

After this golden phase as the Imperial Palace, the palace underwent an extension in 1873, when another floor was built at the rear of the main building to serve as the governor’s residence, and two other separate buildings for general services.

Lithograph, 1880 - The Palace of Campo das Princesas on the right and the Santa Isabel Theater on the left.
Lithograph, 1880 – The Palace of Campo das Princesas on the right and the Santa Isabel Theater on the left.

Between 1918 and 1922, the greatest changes were made, with the extension of the third floor to the main façade of the Palácio do Campo das Princesas, where the State secretariats were installed, and the demolition of the small annex buildings previously built, giving way to a garden park.

1920 Postcard of the Campo das Princesas Palace.
1920 Postcard of the Campo das Princesas Palace.

From then on, its architectural ensemble took on a volumetric configuration similar to the current one.

Campo das Princesas Palace in Recife - South Facade.
Campo das Princesas Palace in Recife – South Facade.

History and Architecture of the Palácio do Campo das Princesas in Recife PE

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