House of Tatuapé, Bandeirista house in Belenzinho, Brazil.
The House of Tatuapé is a 17th-century bandeirista dwelling with six rooms and two attics, constructed using rammed earth walls and topped with a distinctive gable roof. The rectangular structure reflects the building methods typical of that period.
Built between 1668 and 1698 by Mathias Rodrigues da Silva, the house served as a residence for about 150 years before being transformed into a pottery workshop. Later it gained protection status from multiple heritage organizations.
The house reveals how wealthy families lived in 17th-century São Paulo through its layout and room arrangement, which shows the daily rhythms of that era. The rooms demonstrate how multiple generations shared space and organized their household life together.
Visitors can tour the house and see archaeological artifacts discovered during restoration work, which are displayed inside for viewing. Guided tours are available to help explain the building's history and construction.
This building is recognized as the oldest bandeirista house in São Paulo, holding protection designations from IPHAN, CONDEPHAAT, and Conpresp simultaneously. Its transformation from family residence to workshop is a rare example of how colonial structures adapted to new economic activities.
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