The equestrian statue of King Dom João VI in Praça XV in the city of Rio de Janeiro was offered in 1965, during the IV Centenary of the Founding of the City of Rio de Janeiro, by the Portuguese government as a tribute to the King of Portugal, who lived in Brazil from 1808 to 1821. Dom João VI was a Portuguese monarch who played a significant role in the history of Brazil during the early 19th century. He was born in 1767 and became the Prince Regent of Portugal in 1799 due to the insanity of his mother, Queen Dona Maria I. His stay in Brazil and his subsequent elevation to the status of king had several historical implications.

Statue of King Dom João VI in Praça XV, Rio de Janeiro
Statue of King Dom João VI in Praça XV, Rio de Janeiro.

Statue of King Dom João VI in Praça XV, Rio de Janeiro
Statue of King Dom João VI in Praça XV, Rio de Janeiro.
Statue of King Dom João VI in Praça XV, Rio de Janeiro
Statue of King Dom João VI in Praça XV, Rio de Janeiro.
Statue of King Dom João VI in Praça XV, Rio de Janeiro
Statue of King Dom João VI in Praça XV, Rio de Janeiro.
Statue of King Dom João VI in Praça XV, Rio de Janeiro
Statue of King Dom João VI in Praça XV, Rio de Janeiro.

Dom João VI played a pivotal role in transforming Brazil from a colony into an independent country and in laying the foundations for the Empire of Brazil. His reign and his decision to transfer the court to Brazil had a lasting impact on the country’s history and the shaping of its national identity.


Matheus Araújo - Brazilian History
Matheus Araújo
Founder and Editor at Brazilian History | Website

Matheus is an entrepreneur at Araujo Media, where he serves as CEO and Creative Director. He shares analyses on his personal blog "matheusaraujo.me" and is currently pursuing a degree in Advertising and Propaganda. Moreover, he has a passion for history, particularly that of Brazil, which led him to become the founder and editor of the Brazilian History portal.