Equinoctial France came into existence on this plateau at the mouth of the Rio Anil. Nowadays, it is a vast esplanade surrounded by imposing neo-Classical palaces, and the administrative heart of the city. The Palácio dos Leões (1776), seat of the State government, stands at the location of 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. There is a broad panorama over the bay from the belvedere and at the other end you can see the Igreja da Sé, a church with a remarkable high altar.