If you were a child in the 1990s or 2000s who enjoyed TV Cultura ‘s programming, you’ve probably dreamed of visiting one of Brazil’s most beloved castles – and maybe even visited the exhibitions that have taken place in SP in recent years – But this little corner of the universe of the iconic TV series is one that few people know about! Check out Vila Savóia, a little piece of the Rá-Tim-Bum Castle hidden away in Barra Funda, on the west side of São Paulo.
Designed by architect Arnaldo Maia Lello, the residential complex is a highlight of São Paulo architecture. No wonder it was chosen to represent one of the most emblematic moments of Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum.
Get to know Vila Savóia!
The residential complex appears in the first scene of Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum (1994), when the trio Pedro, Biba and Zequinha are chasing a ball. At the back of the village, the children see for the first time the castle where Nino, Doctor Vitor, Morgana and various magical creatures who set the tone for the series’ plot live.
Vila Residencial Savóia, with its Italian architectural style, was built in 1940 with 14 houses for rent which, for years, housed many families. In the 1990s, the space became commercial, was restored in the 2000s and, in 2009, was finally listed.
A magical little piece of Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum in SP!
Did you like Parque Residencial Savóia? The villa is located at Rua Vitorino Carmilo, 453 – Barra Funda, where you can stop by and check out the façade.
And to finish off this article with more interesting facts about Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum, did you know that the castle’s architecture is inspired by the shapes and style of the Catalan architect Gaudí? And that the plot of the villainous Doctor Abobrinha, who would do anything to bring down the castle and build a hundred-storey building in its place, was inspired by the feud between Sílvio Santos and Zé Celso over Lina Bo Bardi’s emblematic Teatro Oficina?
