A journey to the new world: the Portuguese court in Brazil

In 1807, facing an imminent invasion of the Napoleonic troops, Dom João VI made an unprecedented decision: to transfer the Portuguese court to its largest and opulent colony, Brazil. Is estimated at 15 thousand the number of people who embarked on the docks of Belém - 5% of the population of the country at that time - among which were the entire royal family and members of the nobility. For the first time in history, a Portuguese sovereign left Europe to live in a colonial territory. The transfer of the court to the other side of the Atlantic had significant historical implications and conditioned the entire future relationship between Portugal and Brazil.

We can see, in the foreground, the Prince Regent D. João in a white suit and red jacket, accompanied by members of the nobility and clergy arrived in carriages and seats.

A berlin carries the Princess D. Carlota Joaquina with her children on board the dock.

After 54 days at sea in difficult journey, the ship that brought the prince anchored first in Salvador de Bahia where he signed the Royal Charter, which opened Brazilian ports to foreign trade. On March 7, 1808, D. João arrived in Rio de Janeiro, where he remained for 13 years, until his return to Lisbon on April 26, 1821.

The ship trip was marked by several mishaps: the water was scarce and the food was nothing more than salted meat and biscuits. An infestation of lice on the ship carrying Carlota Joaquina forced all the women, including the princess, to shave their heads.

A policy of European alliances negotiates the marriage of Prince D. Pedro to the Archduchess of Austria, D. Leopoldina. It was the alliance of Brazil with one of the most important European courts, the Habsburg House. In 1817, for the first time, the descendant of a European Royal House would cross the Ocean to marry in the New World, accompanied by a court of outstanding scientists, botanists, musicians and artists who took with them their libraries and their instruments.

In the background, the São Bento Monastery adorned with silk tapestries in honor of the arrival of the princess ...

... In the center, the landing of Princess Leopoldina accompanied by Prince D. Pedro. Then the queen Carlota with his chamberlain and behind, D. João VI being helped by two men. They were on their way to the the coach that will take them to the royal chapel where there will be the episcopal blessing.

The royal family returned to Portugal in 1821 after intense dissatisfaction with the Portuguese and the outbreak in the north of the country of the Oporto Revolution. By popular pressure the restitution of the Colonial Pact and consequent return of the Family to the Kingdom were demanded.

The departure of the Portuguese royal family was accompanied by a huge audience that crowded for farewell.

Queen Carlota waves to the audience that accompanied her departure.