Journey back to 1872. The story of Solar do Jambeiro begins. It stands before us now. It is a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture.
Bento Joaquim Alves Pereira was a wealthy Portuguese merchant. He built this house. The Solar do Jambeiro became his family’s residence. Imagine the lavish parties held here. Picture the sounds of music and laughter echoing through the halls.
Later, the house was rented to Dr. Júlio Magalhães Calvet. From 1887 to 1888, the painter Antônio Parreiras lived here. He then built his own house nearby. In 1892, Bento Joaquim Alves sold the property. Georg Christian Bartholdy, a Danish diplomat, became the new owner.
Bartholdy’s profession meant frequent travel. He leased the Solar do Jambeiro to different tenants. In 1903, it housed the Clube Internacional. This was a recreational and cultural club. It brought together Niterói society and foreign communities. From 1911 to 1915, the Colégio da Sagrada Família rented the space.
Around 1920, the Bartholdy family moved into the Solar. They made changes to the interior. In 1941, they expanded the property. The total area became 8,633 square meters. Vera Fabiana Gad inherited the Solar in 1950. She lived here until 1975. Her son Egon Falkenberg and his wife Lúcia then received the property.
In 1974, the Solar do Jambeiro was listed as a heritage site. The IPHAN protected its architectural features. During the 1980s, the Solar remained closed for much of the time. In 1988, many Danish items were sold. These included jacaranda furniture and oil paintings.
The Niterói city government acquired the building in 1997. After restoration, it opened to the public on November 22, 2001. Today, the Solar do Jambeiro is a cultural center. It hosts art exhibitions and theater performances. The gardens are open to the public. People come here to relax.
Look closely at the building. It has Portuguese tiles with blue patterns. These tiles are some of the most important from the 19th century in Brazil. Note the windows. They feature wood frames and green and red glass details. The eaves showcase hand-painted tiles. They often depict birds or flowers.
The Solar do Jambeiro stands as a reminder of Niterói’s rich past. It is a place where history and culture meet. Its walls echo stories of merchants, diplomats, and artists. As you leave, remember the beauty and history you have encountered.