Did you know the Colégio Marista Arquidiocesano’s story begins long before its current stunning neoclassical building? This impressive structure stands proudly in Vila Mariana a testament to years of dedication to education. But its roots trace back to 1858. That’s when the Colégio Diocesano was founded. It was attached to the São Paulo Episcopal Seminary. This original school resided in a humble building made of rammed earth. It was located on Tiradentes Avenue in the Luz district.
The Marist Brothers took over in 1908. They transformed the old building. They modernized it to meet government standards. However the old building proved insufficient. It couldn’t meet the Marist Brothers’ high aspirations for quality education.
So they embarked on an ambitious project. In 1927 they acquired land in Vila Mariana. They planned a grand new school building. Architect Álvaro Salles de Oliveira designed a magnificent neoclassical structure. It incorporated the latest in educational knowledge and technology. It was to be a marvel of school architecture.
The cornerstone was laid on May 26 1929. Construction of this monumental building began. The finished building covered over 12 000 square meters. It opened on January 25 1935. The inauguration was a significant event attended by civil and religious leaders. Cardinal Archbishop Duarte Leopoldo e Silva blessed the new Colégio Marista Arquidiocesano.
Imagine the scale of this new school. It had space for 500 boarding students. It featured spacious classrooms well-equipped laboratories and even a school museum. Four football fields a sports gymnasium and libraries were included. A grand hall an infirmary dormitories and a beautifully decorated chapel completed the complex. The chapel’s 13 stained-glass windows were imported from Grenoble France. A second building housed the kitchen six dining halls and staff facilities.
The Marist Brothers viewed the Colégio Marista Arquidiocesano as a model. Its impressive facilities and select student body were to showcase their educational vision. This vision was to create virtuous citizens and devout Christians. The school’s legacy continues today. It still reflects the high standards and aspirations of its founders.