Equinoctial France came into existence on this plateau at the mouth of the Rio Anil. Nowadays, this vast esplanade is the administrative heart of the city. The Palácio dos Leões (1776), seat of the State government, stands on the site of the Fort St Louis, built by the French in 1612. Next door is the Palácio de La Lavardière (1689), seat of the city council. It is named after the founder of São Luís and a bust pays tribute to him here. From the belvedere, enjoy an extensive view of the bay.