House at Sítio do Padre Inácio

The House at Sítio do Padre Inácio is a Portuguese colonial residence with a symmetrical layout, central hallway, and side rooms connected by impressively carved wooden beams. The structure is built from rammed earth and displays both in its layout and decorative details the hallmarks of early Brazilian colonial architecture.

The building dates from the late 17th century and once belonged to Roque Soares de Medela, a judge of orphans, and Luzia Leme, aunt of Father Inácio Francisco Amaral. It gained importance as a key stopping point during the era when bandeirante expeditions shaped the exploration of Brazil's interior.

The house displays traditional bandeirista architecture with rammed earth walls, geometric patterns on doors and windows, and a pitched roof. These design choices reveal how prosperous families lived during the early colonial period.

The house is located on Padre Inácio Road in Cotia, São Paulo, and is accessible to visitors interested in exploring early colonial architecture. Its location near the city makes it easy to reach if you are traveling in the greater São Paulo area.

The building served as a rest stop for bandeirante expeditions departing into Brazil's interior searching for precious stones, metals, and indigenous laborers. This connection to the expansion movement makes it more than just an architectural example but also a historical witness to this era of exploration.