São Paulo is full of mysteries, from werewolf apparitions to haunted buildings. But one of the most intriguing stories in the state is the abandoned castle in Limeira, 158 kilometers from São Paulo, which attracts the attention of anyone passing through the city.
Occupying the equivalent size of five soccer pitches, the building is impressive not only for its grandeur, but also for the signs of destruction. Broken windows, graffiti and overgrown bushes, for example, give it an air of mystery that makes it hard to imagine the place before it was abandoned.
But the truth is that the castle was born out of a dream, and has lived through much better times until its current destruction. Shall we get to know it?
The castle was home to one of the country’s most famous sertanejos
During his childhood, José Alves dos Santos had a dream of living in a castle. The boy grew up and ended up going into the music business, becoming a singer and instrumentalist. Together with Milionário, he formed one of Brazil’s most iconic country duos, under the name José Rico.
After achieving fame, José Rico decided to fulfill his childhood dream. So, in 1991, he started building his beloved castle, which would serve as a studio and home for his wife and children, with over 100 rooms and even a swimming pool in the shape of a guitar.
But the mansion, worth around R$15 million, was never finished. Not for lack of money: José Rico allegedly received a prophecy from a gypsy saying that he would die the day he finished the castle. So he continued to build the property, finding new corners to add to his home.
Why is José Rico’s Castle abandoned?
When the sertanejo died in 2015, the property became the target of legal battles over labor lawsuits and disputes over the division of the inheritance. The castle was put up for auction to pay off the debts, but there were no takers. It was then abandoned.
After 10 years empty, José Rico’s castle became a scene of destruction. In addition to the lack of maintenance, trespassers broke in and stole family items such as speakers, clothes, records, jewelry and even the bathroom sinks.
Part of the building has fallen into disrepair; the swimming pool, which is dry, is covered in graffiti. The once-white walls are stained with mold, and the garden has turned into a scrubland.
Despite this, fans of the singer visit the property to honor his legacy. The place doesn’t receive visitors, but it’s common for listeners of Milionário and José Rico to visit its gates or fly drones over the area, getting a closer look at the mysteries of the abandoned castle.
