They are a rarity in the city, but some of the former residences of the coffee aristocracy still stand in São Paulo. One of the most imposing examples is the Palacete Veridiana da Silva Prado, located in Higienópolis.
Built in the 19th century, the palace stood out as one of the most important cultural halls in the capital. In its heyday, it was the scene of intellectual meetings with scientists and doctors, as well as receiving illustrious visitors, such as Pedro II on his last visit to São Paulo. In November 1884, Princess Isabel was also there and described the place with charm:
The property of D. Veridiana, beautiful; French style house, exterior and interior very beautiful, of very good taste. (…) The gardens have lawns worthy of England, the house dominates everything, there is a little lake, plantations of roses and carnations, beautiful. I came away enchanted.
Learn about the history of Palacete Veridiana da Silva Prado:
The French-style mansion was built between 1883 and 1884 to serve as the residence of Dona Veridiana da Silva Prado, a member of one of Brazil’s wealthiest families at the end of the Empire and the beginning of the Old Republic. The matriarch was one of the great figures of São Paulo’s elite and was responsible for moving the social, political and cultural scene of the time.
Listed in 2001, Palacete Veridiana is home to treasures such as the marble sculpture Diana, by Victor Brecheret, and the mural Aurora, by Almeida Junior. Its gardens are also impressive, with carp ponds that maintain the aristocratic atmosphere of the space. The three-storey residence currently serves an institutional function and houses the headquarters of the Santos Yacht Club.
Keep an eye out for guided tours!
Despite not opening its doors to the public, the palace can be visited on special occasions. One example is the ‘Mackenzie Passed By: Trajeto Mackenzista’, which takes participants on a guided tour of the site. If you like history and exploring the backstage of aristocratic São Paulo, it’s worth keeping an eye out for these opportunities to get to know one of the city’s most elegant and secretive properties.
