Instituto Cristóvão Colombo, Orphanage in Ipiranga, São Paulo, Brazil

Instituto Cristóvão Colombo is a children's care center in Ipiranga, São Paulo, created in 1895 as the Orfanato Cristóvão Colombo. Its first building was erected on land donated by Count José Vicente de Azevedo, where part of an annex and a chapel had already been built for a planned arts and crafts school. The chapel hosted the first Mass in February 1895, and the orphanage was officially inaugurated on 8 December 1895 while construction was still incomplete.

The institute was founded in 1895 by Italian priest José Marchetti to support children whose families faced hardship and poverty. Its establishment was tied to the wave of Italian immigration to Brazil and addressed the urgent needs of that community.

The institution shaped its neighborhood through woodworking, tailoring, and shoemaking workshops that showcase how practical skills were taught to residents. The orphanage band that emerged from here became known across São Paulo and represents the musical training that was part of daily life.

Visitors can see classrooms and recreational spaces that show how children were cared for and educated daily. Access is possible, but it helps to check ahead which areas are open to guests since this remains an active facility.

The orphanage band founded by Father José Marchetti played at the 1898 visit of former president Prudente de Morais to Vila Prudente. The Vila Prudente building, inaugurated on 5 August 1904 with the blessing of Blessed Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, ended up housing girls, contrary to Marchetti's plan.