The 19th century marked the lands of Fafe, especially with the strong incidence of immigration to Brazil, at the time the most suitable land, in search of fortune. Many of these emigrants transported their savings to Fafe, investing them in the construction of beautiful buildings and palaces.

The architecture of the “Brasileiros Torna-Viagem” is one of the outstanding features in the urbanism of the city of Fafe and is one of its most beloved and attractive ex-libris. The architecture of this period is, from the outset, the symbol of the owner’s assertion and personal prestige and his wealth.
Fundamentally, they are large palaces, some of them surrounded by “tropical” gardens, with the inevitable palm tree mixed with fruit trees. They stand out for their wide facades, covered with beautiful multicolored tiles, with numerous doors and windows, with a considerable height. The narrow balconies, almost always running the entire width of the building, feature richly ornamented wrought or cast iron guards. There are also several examples of painted faience eaves, usually in blue. A fundamental element in Brazilian architecture is the indispensable skylight, the greatest symbol of this type of construction, topping the roof and illuminating the interior stairs.

Buildings such as the Municipal Archive, Casa do Santo Novo, Jardim do Calvário and Teatro Cinema de Fafe are great examples of spaces where the influence of the architecture of the “Brasileiros Torna-Viagem” is undeniable.

Source: https://www.cm-fafe.pt/artigo/arquitetura-dos-brasileiros

Image source: Municipality of Fafe