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Casa do Tatuapé: A Glimpse into São Paulo's Colonial Past

Step back in time at Casa do Tatuapé, a preserved 17th-century house showcasing São Paulo's colonial heritage and 'bandeirista' architecture.

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The Casa do Tatuapé, or Tatuapé House, is one of the oldest surviving examples of 'bandeirista' architecture in São Paulo, dating back to the 17th century. Built with rammed earth ('taipa de pilão') technique, this humble house offers a unique window into the city's rural colonial past and the lifestyle of its early inhabitants.

A brief summary to Casa do Tatuapé / Museu da Cidade de São Paulo

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends can be crowded.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around the Tatuapé neighborhood, known for its restaurants and nightlife.
  • Check the Museu da Cidade de São Paulo website for temporary exhibitions and cultural events held at the Casa do Tatuapé.
  • Take time to appreciate the 'taipa de pilão' construction technique, a hallmark of early Brazilian architecture.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Tatuapé Metro Station (Red Line), the Casa do Tatuapé is approximately a 15-minute walk. Exit the station and follow Rua Melo Freire, then turn onto Rua Guabijú. The museum will be on your left. A single metro fare is R$5.20.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    A taxi or ride-sharing service from the Tatuapé Metro Station to Casa do Tatuapé is a short ride, costing approximately R$15-R$25, depending on traffic. Be sure to confirm the fare or use a ride-sharing app for an estimate.

  • Walking

    From Praça Sílvio Romero in Tatuapé, walk along Rua Coelho Lisboa until you reach Rua Guabijú. Turn right onto Rua Guabijú; the Casa do Tatuapé will be on your right. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs involved.

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Discover more about Casa do Tatuapé / Museu da Cidade de São Paulo

Casa do Tatuapé, located in the Tatuapé district of São Paulo, stands as a remarkable testament to the city's early colonial history. Estimated to have been constructed between 1668 and 1698 by Mathias Rodrigues da Silva, the house is a rare surviving example of 'bandeirista' architecture, characterized by its simple, functional design and the use of rammed earth ('taipa de pilão') technique. The house originally belonged to Father Matheus Nunes de Siqueira, and it is distinguished by its six rooms, two attics, and a simple gabled roof ('telhado de duas águas'), a design choice that sets it apart from other colonial-era buildings. For 150 years, the Casa do Tatuapé served as a dwelling, sheltering muleteers who traversed the region. Later, it was converted into a pottery, producing tiles and bricks, especially after Italian immigrants arrived. The proximity to a water source, now altered by the Tietê River's rectification, was crucial for its function as a pottery. In 1945, the property was acquired by Tecelagem Textilia, a textile company. The City Hall of São Paulo purchased the house three decades later and restored it between 1979 and 1980, in collaboration with the Paulista Museum of USP. Archaeological research during the restoration revealed numerous artifacts, which are now displayed in one of the rooms, showcasing the thick rammed earth walls. The restoration aimed to preserve the original features, including the 'terra batida' (dirt floor) in the rooms. Today, the Casa do Tatuapé functions as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the domestic life of early Paulistanos. The collection includes furniture, kitchen utensils, tools, household ornaments, and religious images from the 17th to 19th centuries. Educational tours are available, providing context and insights into the house's history and the 'bandeirista' period.

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