Casa Bandeirista do Itaim

In the midst of São Paulo's concrete jungle, the Casa Bandeirista do Itaim stands tall, preserving a piece of the city's rich history. 

Located in the largest commercial building in São Paulo, the Casa Bandeirista do Itaim dates back to the early 18th century when it was likely built by the bandeirantes, explorers who ventured into the interior of Brazil to search for precious metals and indigenous peoples. The house was later used as a stopping point for those travelling between São Paulo and the nearby town of Sorocaba.

The little Casa Bandeirista might have been overlooked if not for its protected status. Despite being abandoned, it was considered an officially listed building, which meant it was legally protected from demolition or alteration. This protection came in handy when the area around it was purchased with the intention of building a shopping mall, and the house was set to be destroyed. However, the group that purchased it afterwards had the necessary approvals to proceed with the development as long as the Casa Bandeirista was restored and incorporated into the new project. Thanks to this intervention, the Casa was preserved and continues to stand today as a testament to the city's rich history.

Even with Google's headquarters towering above and the modern office buildings, and skyscrapers around, the Casa Bandeirista maintains its colonial-style architecture and serves as a reminder of the city's past. Inside, visitors can see the original taipa walls and wooden beams, as well as a collection of antique furniture and artefacts.

But the Casa Bandeirista do Itaim isn't just a museum piece. It also serves as a unique setting for events and meetings, offering a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that transports attendees back in time. Imagine hosting a business conference or a wedding in a space that dates back to the 1700s - it's certainly a conversation starter!