One of Ferraz de Vasconcelos’s most important historical landmarks, the Vivenda Zenker Castle is, in fact, a castle-style mansion built around 1940. After undergoing renovations, it was reopened and today houses the Castelo Zenker Cultural Center —and you can visit for free!
With its rustic architecture and strong inspiration from German buildings, Vivenda Zenker features towers, hand-painted murals, original decorative tilesfrom that era, and sculptures.
The property, which covers about 2,600 square meters, is located atop a hill, just like the castles in fairy tales. As a result, it offers a breathtaking view of Ferraz de Vasconcelos.
In fact, the neighborhood where it stands was named Jardim Castelo in its honor. The monument has become much more than a landmark and tourist attraction: it is also an important symbol of resilience and rebirth following the horrors of World War II.
The Zenker Family and the Refuge for German Soldiers
It all began when Austrian journalist Arthur Zenker arrived in Brazil with his wife after World War I, in 1919. After disembarking at the Port of Santos, they lived in Itaquera before settling in Ferraz de Vasconcelos.
At the time, Ferraz was already known for its fertile soil and its large German population. The mansion served not only as the Zenker family’s residence but also as a shelter for German refugees during World War II.
Reports indicate that Arthur Zenker was active in the opposition to Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime. For this reason, he used his own home as a refuge for soldiers fleeing the conflict in Europe.
The castle’s functions over time
In 1996, the company Transterra Empreendimentos acquired the mansion; however, in 2003, the property was transferred to the city government. In addition to serving as a place of worship for Umbanda practitioners, the building subsequently spent years in a state of neglect.
Although it has been listed as a historical and cultural heritage site in Ferraz de Vasconcelos since the 2000s, the property has suffered from vandalism and damage.
In 2024 alone, it received an investment of about R$300,000 for renovations before the Castelo Zenker Cultural Center opened in July of that same year.
Visit Vivenda Zenker Castle!
The city’s first cultural center now operates on the site. The project envisions using the space as a museum that tells the history of Ferraz de Vasconcelos. In addition, it will serve as a memorial to the city and a venue for concerts, performances, and exhibitions.
During the month of December 2025, the property became “Santa’s Castle, ” adorned with Christmas decorations and serving as the home of the city’s Santa Claus.
The castle is located at Rua do Castelo, 9, in the Jardim do Castelo neighborhood of Ferraz de Vasconcelos. It’s open Thursday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
