Did you know that there is a listed 17th century mansion hidden away in Itaim Paulista and that you can visit it? Chácara Biacica, also known as Chácara dos Fontoura, is a real secret treasure on the east side of São Paulo. Few people imagine that, among the busy streets and residential neighborhoods, a living piece of the history of colonial Brazil remains.
The space is so culturally important that even the modernist writer and poet Mário de Andrade is said to have visited the old chapel that still stands there. It’s the kind of tour that mixes leisure, memory and contemplation, all in one destination.
What can you find at Chácara Biacica?
Located on the banks of the Tietê River, Núcleo Itaim Biacica is part of the Tietê Ecological Park and has been listed by IPHAN since 1994. There you’ll find a 17th century mansion and a chapel built in 1624 out of rammed earth.
With its Luso-Brazilian architectural style, the farm has precious details that span the centuries. Its walls display Portuguese tiles, which tell part of the country’s history and add charm to the space. For a while, there was also the sculpture Bartyra, by the artist João Batista Ferri, representing an indigenous woman. Unfortunately, the piece was stolen during an irregular occupation, but it is still remembered as part of the chácara’s heritage.
Visit this secret mansion in Itaim Paulista!
Today, Chácara Biacica functions as a park open to the public, perfect for a cultural outing or even a family picnic. The space has benches, tables and plenty of greenery for those who want to enjoy a quiet day in the middle of nature.
Visits are free and take place daily from 7am to 6pm. The mansion is located at Estrada da Biacica, 756 – Itaim Paulista, within the Itaim Biacica Nucleus of the Tietê Ecological Park. A unique opportunity to get to know a little piece of Brazilian history without leaving the city.
