After the announcement that the Martinelli Building would resume guided tours, it’s the turn of another historic building in São Paulo to open its doors to the public. We’re talking about Palacete Piauí, which, after a major renovation, invites São Paulo residents to take a closer look at its century-old architecture.
Located on the corner of Piauí and Itacolomi streets in Higienópolis, the mansion is one of the last remnants of São Paulo’s coffee-growing elite. Guided tours will begin in October and will be temporary, providing a unique opportunity to get to know it from the inside, free of charge.
Palacete Piauí: coffee charm in the heart of Higienópolis
Construction of the mansion began in 1916, during the coffee cycle, at the request of José Mariano, nephew of then president Rodrigues Alves. After José Mariano’s death, his widow sold the property, which went on to house public and government agencies.
Over the last two decades, however, Palacete Piauí has remained unoccupied and has fallen into decay. Despite being listed as a historical heritage site, the mansion showed signs of abandonment and lost the luster of its beautiful architecture.
The property currently belongs to Helbor and MPD, who intend to incorporate it into their new real estate project. To do this, the developers financed a major three-year renovation, which restored the mansion’s elegance and revived the luxuriesof São Paulo’s former coffee-growing elite.
How to visit?
With a new look, Palacete Piauí is opening its doors to those who want to get to know its beauties up close. Guided tours begin on October 6 and will take place every two weeks, free of charge. During the tour, visitors will be able to see the relics of the mansion in the company of monitors from Estúdio Sarasá, which is responsible for its restoration.
To take part, you need to register on the Palacete Piauí website and wait for confirmation by e-mail. Make the most of it while there’s still time, as visits only take place until November!