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Solar da Marquesa de Santos: A Glimpse into São Paulo's Aristocratic Past

Step back in time at Solar da Marquesa de Santos, a historic manor and museum in São Paulo's city center.

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The Solar da Marquesa de Santos, located in São Paulo's historic center, is a preserved 18th-century manor that once belonged to Domitila de Castro, the Marchioness of Santos and mistress of Emperor Pedro I. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the Museu da Cidade de São Paulo, hosting cultural exhibitions and offering a glimpse into the city's colonial past.

A brief summary to Solar da Marquesa de Santos

  • R. Roberto Simonsen, 136, São Paulo, Centro Histórico de São Paulo, State of São Paulo, 01017-020, BR
  • Visit website
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful exploration of the museum.
  • Check the Museu da Cidade de São Paulo's website for information on current exhibitions and special events.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Pátio do Colégio, the site where São Paulo was founded.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Solar da Marquesa de Santos is located in the Centro Histórico of São Paulo, easily accessible by public transport. From the Sé Metro station (Lines 1 and 3), it's a short walk. Exit the station towards Praça da Sé and walk along Rua Roberto Simonsen. The museum will be on your left. A single metro or bus fare costs R$5.20.

  • Walking

    From Pátio do Colégio, the founding site of São Paulo, the Solar da Marquesa de Santos is a short walk. Head east on Praça Pátio do Colégio, then turn left onto Rua Roberto Simonsen. The museum will be on your right.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in São Paulo. A short trip from Avenida Paulista to the Solar da Marquesa de Santos would typically cost between R$20 and R$30, depending on traffic and the time of day.

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Discover more about Solar da Marquesa de Santos

The Solar da Marquesa de Santos stands as a rare example of urban residential architecture from the 18th century in São Paulo. Constructed in the mid-1700s, the building's history is intertwined with significant figures and events in Brazilian history. Originally a set of houses belonging to André Alvares de Castro, it was later acquired by Brigadier José Joaquim Pinto de Morais Leme. The manor gained prominence when it became the residence of Domitila de Castro, the Marchioness of Santos, in 1834. As the mistress of Emperor Pedro I, her ownership transformed the Solar into a symbol of aristocracy, hosting lavish parties and gatherings for the city's elite. For a time it was known as Palacete do Carmo. Over the centuries, the building underwent several changes, serving as an Episcopal Palace and the headquarters of the São Paulo Gaz Company. In 1971, it was declared a historical monument and, after undergoing restoration, became the headquarters of the Museu da Cidade de São Paulo in 1975. Visitors to the Solar da Marquesa de Santos can explore its preserved rooms, view original rammed earth walls, and admire the neoclassical facade added in the 19th century. The museum hosts exhibitions that showcase the city's history and cultural heritage, offering a captivating journey into São Paulo's past.

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