“Emperor Pedro Ist of Portugal built a grand Palace (1807) in Sao Paulo, an example of colonial opulence. Four centuries earlier (1400’s) Portugal’s Prince Henry the Navigator had invested in charting sail routes connecting Europe - Asia & the New World. The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) divided uncharted territories between all-powerful Spanish or Portuguese Royals. The Portuguese employed the leading sailor/navigators Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, Bartholomeu Dias, Pedro Alvares Cabral for expeditions for New World discovery. But 1800s Napoloenic Wars consumed Europe (1799-1815), Portugal’s Monarch, Pedro Ist fled to establish an Empire of Brasil. He relocated Portugal’s Royal Administration & treasury to territory covering more than half of South America.”
“Constructed in 1780’s this home of Baron de MonJardim has eleven rooms,, chapel, kitchen and a full-length balcony overlooking his crops. Commander Baron MonJardim held state offices. He was privileged to have a personal relationship with Pedro I, Brasil’s Emperor. This relationship allowed him to obtain favor in distribution networks for his crops of coffee & manioc, (root potato-like vegetable) to European wholesalers. The well-preserved family residence is a living museum depicting the lifestyle of a well-to-do, slave owning, nobleman of early Brasil.”
 
“Began in 1558 in Vila Vehla, the Penha Convent is one of 3 major religious monuments in Brazil. Religious celebrations attract millions to the site. Situated on solid granite mountain, construction was slow, tedious requiring a cobblestone access road taking a year to construct. The Convent functions as an active Catholic Diocese facility today. It offers majectic views of the tri-island configuaration that comprise metro region...”
 
“A century before English sects would settle North America (1607-1650), Portuguese explorers had multiple settlements South America. One such settlement was Vila Vehla (Old Town) on a coastal island in today’s Espirito Santos state. The info-packed House of Memories Museum is in close proximity to where 24 year-old explorer, Vasco Coutinho established his 1535 Brasil landing. Displays cover his exploits in the New World. Next door is a famous Brasilian Artist’s home, Homero Massena. He lived there until 1974. His living museum portrays the artist living & at worked. The modest setting is preserved. Artworks and personal objects as he left them are on display.”