Ever wonder what it feels like to step back in time? You will find out at Parque Residencial Savoia. This residential complex of 14 houses sits in Sāo Paulo’s Campos Elíseos neighborhood. It offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
Built in 1939, Parque Residencial Savoia reflects the architectural style of eclecticism. Engineer Arnaldo Maia Lello designed it. He also designed the old Teatro Paramount now called Teatro Renault. The residential park was created for Salvador Markowicz. He was a Polish mechanical engineer. Markowicz intended to house his family here. He also planned to rent out the extra houses to middle-class families. This would supplement his income.
The name Savoia pays tribute to Markowicz’s wife. Her hometown was Turin in Italy. Turin is the birthplace of the House of Savoy.
Parque Residencial Savoia is one of many residential villages built in Sāo Paulo between 1920 and 1950. These villages featured private streets. They also included courtyards surrounded by single-family homes. These homes offered better comfort than worker housing.
In the 1980s, Parque Residencial Savoia fell into disrepair. However, it was later restored. It then became a popular backdrop for soap operas and commercials. You may recognize it from the opening of Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum. It is a children’s show from TV Cultura.
The architecture includes apparent bricks and Florentine decorations. You can spot gargoyles and Greek-style columns. Gardens feature roses, palms, and a large fig tree.
Five houses have direct access from Vitorino Carmilo Street. The other houses are inside the residential area. Access is only through the private street.
Four Latin inscriptions are found in the residential park’s atrium. They show Roman influence. One inscription reads “Angulus ridet”. It means “A smiling corner.”
Parque Residencial Savoia became a historical landmark in 2009. The state of Sāo Paulo recognized its value. The Conselho de Defesa do Patrimônio Histórico approved this. The residential park stands out for its original urban design. It has unique architecture and quality construction. It blends well into the urban environment.
Today, Salvatore Iungano manages the property. He is Salvador Markowicz’s grandson. The houses are now offices. They still retain their residential feel. A sign at the entrance prohibits strangers. Cars, bikes, and dogs are not allowed.
The surrounding Campos Elíseos neighborhood faced decline. Despite this, Parque Residencial Savoia remains a treasure. It is a reminder of Sāo Paulo’s rich history. It is a cantinho feliz a happy corner.