Joaquim Franco de Melo Residence, Historical mansion in Paulista Avenue, São Paulo, Brazil
The Joaquim Franco de Melo Residence is an eclectically designed mansion on Paulista Avenue with elaborate architectural details throughout. The structure combines French tiles with Renaissance-style windows and displays Rococo ornaments on its facade, while the interior divides into numerous living spaces.
The house was built in 1905 by Portuguese constructor Antonio Fernandes Pinto as part of the first residential wave on Paulista Avenue. A major redesign occurred in 1921 when the Franco de Mello family needed additional space.
The residence reflects how São Paulo's wealthy families displayed their status through ornate homes along Paulista Avenue. The decorative details and spacious rooms show the lifestyle that the affluent wanted to present to society.
The building stands under government protection through two heritage registries and sits at a prominent location in the heart of Cerqueira César. Visitors should note that this is a protected site and access may be restricted depending on current conditions.
This is the last remaining home from the first residential period of Paulista Avenue between 1891 and 1937. Today it stands surrounded by modern skyscrapers and financial buildings, forming a reminder of a vanished chapter in the city's development.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
