The Consolação Cemetery, in São Paulo, is an open-air museum, where history, art and culture intertwine, forming narratives that transcend time.
The place brings a universe of memories, passions, tragedies and achievements. Under the shade of the centuries-old trees, rest figures that marked the history of São Paulo, such as the famous modernist painter Tarsila do Amaral and the iconic “Loira do Banheiro”, Maria Judite de Barros.
The sculptures that decorate the tombs reveal the importance that death had for people in the past. But the Consolação Cemetery is not just a place to honor the dead.
Historical and cultural tour
Guide Thiago Souza and historian Viviane Comunale are responsible for the project “What haunts you?”, and take us through this journey, revealing details about the stories and voices of the characters who are buried in the capital of São Paulo. The meetings are monthly, and the last one of the year took place this Friday (13).
The history behind the walls, founded in 1858, reflects the evolution of São Paulo society. Initially, the Consolação Cemetery was a space reserved for the wealthier classes, but over the years, it became the last home for people of different origins.
The tour begins with a lesson on the origins of cemeteries, revealing the places’ connection with the aristocracy and the history of the Catholic Church. In the past, the rich were buried inside churches, but the proliferation of respiratory diseases caused by decomposing bodies led to the creation of public cemeteries.
Instead of sticking to classic haunting stories, the tour itinerary seeks to rescue the lives and trajectories of the people buried there, transforming the cemetery into a true open-air museum.
“More than a tour, it is a history and heritage class, where the public can connect with the values and narratives of those who helped build the city and also the country”, says Vivian.
Characters and stories
The list of some of the personalities that are in one of the symbols of the capital of São Paulo are:
Tarsila do Amaral: The famous modernist painter, responsible for works that portray the Brazilian soul, rests in a simple tomb, but one that attracts many admirers of her art. Its presence in the cemetery reinforces the importance of Brazilian culture and history.
Maria Judite de Barros: Known as the “Bathroom Blonde”, Maria Judite was a woman who suffered domestic violence and became a symbol of struggle and resistance. Her story, full of suffering and faith, inspires many women to this day.
Luiz Gama: An important figure in the fight for the abolition of slavery in Brazil, he was born free, but was illegally sold into slavery at the age of 10. He learned to read and write and, self-taught, studied Law, achieving manumission at 17. Using his legal knowledge, he freed more than 500 slaves. As a lawyer (lawyer without a degree), poet and journalist, he denounced the injustice of slavery and defended racial equality. His work and activism made him a symbol of black resistance and a key figure in the Brazilian abolitionist movement.
Domitila de Castro Canto e Melo: Marquesa de Santos, was an important figure in the history of Imperial Brazil. Known for her beauty and intelligence, she became the lover of D. Pedro I in 1822, a relationship that lasted around seven years. With the end of the relationship, Domitila moved away from the court, but maintained her social position and continued to be an influential figure. His history is marked by controversies and different interpretations, being seen by some as a strong figure who knew how to navigate the complexities of the imperial court.
Mário de Andrade: Brazilian writer, poet, literary critic, musicologist and folklorist, considered one of the most important figures of Modernism in Brazil. He had a strong influence on the renewal of literary language and the appreciation of Brazilian culture. Works such as “Macunaíma” (1928), considered his masterpiece, and “Paulicéia Desvairada” (1922) are landmarks of the modernist movement. His vast intellectual production and his engagement with the country’s cultural and social issues consolidated him as a central figure in the history of Brazilian culture.
Jafet Family: The imposing sculpture representing the Jafet family is one of the highlights of the cemetery. The work, created by a renowned sculptor, symbolizes the power and wealth of the family, which played an important role in the history of São Paulo.
Nene Romano: A popular figure in the city, Nenê Romano was known for her generosity and charisma. His grave is constantly visited by admirers, who leave flowers and messages of affection. Her story is one of the most famous urban tragedies, which tells the awakening of several passions, and the hallucination of one of her companions who, because he was not reciprocated, killed her in a taxi.
Antoninho da Rocha Marmo: The story of Antoninho, a talented young man who died prematurely, touches everyone who knows it. His tomb is a place of pilgrimage for those seeking inspiration and strength.
Matarazzo Family: One of the most important families in Brazilian industrial history, the Matarazzos have an imposing mausoleum in the cemetery. The family’s history is intrinsically linked to the development of São Paulo.
