Solar Marquesa de Santos, Sao Paulo

The Solar da Marquesa de Santos, situated in central São Paulo, is a stately mansion renowned for its cultural exhibitions and currently serving as the headquarters of the Cidade de São Paulo Museum.

Constructed in the latter part of the 18th century, this residence was built using compacted earth blocks. From 1834 to 1867, it functioned as the residence of Domitila de Castro, the Marchioness of Santos, who acquired the property after severing ties with Pedro I of Brazil, from the heiress of Brigadier Joaquim de Moraes Leme.

In 1880, the manor was put up for auction and purchased by the Diocesan Mitra, which transformed it into the Episcopal Palace. Numerous modifications were made to the structure during this time.

Between 1909 and 1967, the São Paulo Gaz Company occupied the building, implementing further alterations until it was expropriated by the City Hall. In 1971, the manor was officially recognized as a historical monument by the State of São Paulo and designated as a municipal heritage. Subsequently, in 1975, it became the headquarters of the Municipal Secretary of Culture.

Due to significant structural changes over time, the building underwent two restoration processes, the first taking place in the 1960s and the second in 1990. Notably, the second floor retains its original 18th-century rammed earth walls and wattle and daub construction.