Medieval castles in Brazil: where are they and how to get there?

Are there medieval castles here in Brazil too?

You must have come across period films that portray the medieval period, right?

And in these types of films – which almost always take place in European countries – it is common to see conflicts involving castles and other factors that refer to that time.

And here comes the question: does Brazil also have something related to this type of past in its history, with castles and medieval battles?

This is exactly the topic we are going to talk about here today! 

In this content, we will visit a little of our own history and understand more about the presence of medieval castles here in Brazil.

After all, there are medieval castles in Brazil 

As you may know, our country's past is quite different from the past of some countries located in Europe.

While in countries in the northern hemisphere it is quite common to see the most diverse types of castles that were built in the medieval period, here in Brazil – and in other countries in South America – this type of construction is much rarer, as it was not part of the culture of our continent.

But, as rare as they are, there are still several medieval castles here in Brazil.

And, since this type of construction is much less common than in other countries, these types of constructions here in our country become true tourist attractions.

So, yes! There are medieval castles in Brazil! And we will talk a little more about this in the next topic!

Where are the medieval castles in Brazil and how to get there?

Are you curious about what medieval castles in Brazil are like? 

In this topic, we will talk a little more about where these medieval castles are in Brazil and how to get to these tourist attractions.

And, even though they are not the most common tourist attractions here in Brazil and South America, you will be surprised by the number of medieval castles that exist throughout our country.

Itaipava Castle
Where is it: Petropolis/RJ

Let's start our tour of the medieval castles in Rio de Janeiro. The castle in question is the Itapava Castle.

The attraction – which is located in Petrópolis, in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro – was also known as Castelo do Barão. 

The castle was designed by Baron J. Smith de Vasconcellos, in 1920. After designing the project, the baron sought help from an architect named Lucio Costa.

For the project, Baron J. Smith brought the construction materials from Europe. This made the project known for its Renaissance architectural features.

Nowadays, Itaipava Castle can be rented for events, such as graduations and weddings.

An interesting fact about the architect responsible for building the hotel is that, years later, Lucio Costa was also responsible for a project that changed the history of Brazil: the construction of Brasília.

Medieval castles in Brazil
St. John's Castle
Location: Recife/PE

The second castle on our list is located in Recife, Pernambuco. São João Castle – also known as Brennand Castle – is located in an area that stands out for its almost 80,000 m².

Unlike other castles on our list, which are older, construction on this attraction began very recently, in 2001. 

The person responsible for creating the project was Ricardo Brennand, a Brazilian businessman and collector.

Currently, Castelo São João is responsible for housing the São João Weapons Museum, a place that brings together an impressive collection of bladed weapons, such as swords, knives and pocket knives.

Batel Castle
Location: Curitiba/PR

Our next stop is Curitiba. This time, we'll explore Batel Castle a little more.

The project was designed by Luiz Guimarães and, as inspiration for his castle, Luiz used the famous French castles of the Loire Valley region.

Begun in 1924, the construction of Barel Castle lasted 4 years, being completed in 1928.

The construction of the castle had a huge impact on the entire region. Barel Castle was listed as one of Paraná's historical heritage sites in 1974.

And recently, the building underwent several works to expand and restore the site, helping to preserve this magnificent construction.

Simões Lopes Castle
Location: Pelotas/RS

Another building that is part of the list of medieval castles in Brazil is Castelo Simões Lopes.

Built between 1920 and 1923, the architect responsible for its construction was Augusto Simões Lopes. The project draws attention for its towers that are reminiscent of the old medieval castles that we are used to seeing in period films and series.

The castle has two floors and a basement that was used for storing wine and housing employees.

The building also has living spaces, bedrooms and offices. 

And, in addition to being a castle, the building also draws attention for being considered the first house to have heating in Pelotas.

High Stones Castle
Where is it: Pedras Altas/RS

Our fifth and final castle on our list is Castelo de Pedras Altas. 

Also located in Rio Grande do Sul, the castle stands out for following the classic medieval style that is quite common in European cities.

And the construction of the castle has a very curious origin. The Pedras Altas Castle – which was built between 1909 and 1913, the project was a gift from a diplomat named Joaquim Francisco de Assis Brasil to Lydia, his second wife.

The place was the scene of a very important chapter in the history of the south. It was at the Castelo de Pedras Altas that the agreement put an end to the Gaucho Revolution of 1923.

Conclusion

So, have you ever heard of these Brazilian castles? Getting to know these buildings is an excellent way to learn a little more about the history of our country and better understand our own culture.

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