Borba Gato monument

The Borba Gato monument is a 10-meter tall statue of marble and basalt depicting a bandeirante figure standing on a granite pedestal along Avenida Santo Amaro. The structure weighs approximately 20 tons and incorporates old tram tracks from the avenue within its internal support system.

The monument was unveiled in 1963 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Santo Amaro district, created by sculptor Julio Guerra. It was built to honor a colonial-era figure and mark the region's importance in Brazil's exploration history.

Four mosaic panels near this monument tell stories of Santo Amaro's past, showing indigenous leaders and early Portuguese settlers who shaped the region. These panels invite visitors to engage with the local history and understand how different groups lived together in this area.

The monument sits along a busy avenue and can be viewed from different sides, though the street traffic moves constantly around it. Morning visits offer quieter conditions for viewing the details of the statue and the mosaic panels up close.

Since its creation, this monument has sparked ongoing conversations about how colonial history is portrayed, attracting various artistic interventions and social movements. These debates show how public monuments shape discussions about Brazil's past and present.