Strolling through São Paulo’s Historic Center means immersing yourself in centuries of history, and the Solar da Marquesa de Santos is one of the most fascinating architectural landmarks on this journey. The 1750 building preserves the foundations of the former Palacete do Carmo, with walls constructed using the rammed earth technique.
Despite its historic architecture, the mansion gained fame for being the home of Domitila de Castro Canto e Melo, the Marquise of Santos. Known for her extramarital affair with Dom Pedro I, Domitila acquired the property in 1834 and lived there until her death in 1867. At that time, the address became the setting for grand parties and masquerade balls attended by São Paulo’s elite.
“Dom Pedro’s Mistress’s House” is steeped in myths and alleged ghosts
Many believe that the Marquise of Santos’s house in São Paulo served as a refuge for her extramarital encounters with the emperor. Some even say that the mansion had secret tunnels through which Domitila would slip out “in the dead of night” to meet Dom Pedro.
But the facts tell a different story: Domitila had already ended her relationship with the monarch by the time she acquired the residence. In fact, she lived there with her second husband, Brigadier Rafael Tobias de Aguiar, after being removed from the Brazilian royal court.
In any case, Domitila’s presence gave rise to several supernatural legends surrounding the Marquise’s Mansion. Visitors and the curious often report seeing the couple’s ghosts haunting the rooms, which keeps the mansion’s aura of mystery alive.
You can visit the Solar da Marquesa de Santos for free!
After Domitila de Castro’s death, the mansion underwent several phases: it served as the Episcopal Palace of the Diocesan See in 1880 and as the headquarters of the Gas Company (Comgás) in 1909. During this period, major renovations gave the façade its current neoclassical style.
The Marquise of Santos’s Mansion was designated a state historic landmark in 1971, while its municipal preservation status was officially recognized twenty years later. Today, the house serves as the headquarters of the São Paulo City Museum and preserves original artifacts from that era.
The tour features art exhibitions, photographic documentation, and free historical guided tours. In addition, you can see an unusual artifact: Domitila’s old bathtub, which has stood the test of time and preserves the memory of one of the most famous (and controversial) women in Brazilian history.
📍 Where: Rua Roberto Simonsen, 136 – Sé
🕰️ Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. 🎟️ Admission: Free; no tickets
required 🏠 More information: Visit the official website of the São Paulo City Museum
