House and Chapel at Sítio de Santo António, Colonial farmhouse and chapel in São Roque, Brazil
The house and chapel at Sítio de Santo António is a colonial farmhouse with thick rammed earth walls and stone foundations containing three distinct residential sections. A separate chapel stands on the property as an integral part of the architectural complex.
Construction began in 1640 when Fernão Pais de Barros commissioned the farmhouse, followed by the addition of the chapel in 1681 at his wife's request. This gradual expansion shows how the estate grew over the decades.
The chapel displays carved wooden altarpieces and painted ceilings that reflect the skill of Portuguese craftspeople who worked on colonial estates, and these details remain visible in their original form.
The property spans approximately 11.64 hectares and is managed by IPHAN, with native forest areas and lakes surrounding the buildings. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since exploring the extensive grounds involves walking through different sections.
Writer Mário de Andrade purchased the property in 1944 and later transferred it to IPHAN to ensure its protection. This connection between a prominent cultural figure and the site highlights why colonial properties like this one matter to Brazil's heritage preservation.
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