Building of national interest, it is the only one left of the black presence in the eastern district of the capital São Paulo
The restoration project of the Capela dos Aflitos, in the Liberdade neighborhood, in the city of São Paulo, has obtained the favorable opinion of the city of São Paulo. Deteriorated, the 1779 building is the last and most important architectural sign of the historical presence of blacks in the region, which is currently identified with oriental culture.
The place was on the outskirts of the city of São Paulo from the 17th to the 19th century, where many blacks lived. There was the cemetery, Largo da Forca, the Town Hall (occupied by the public administration), the prison and the pillory. Only the Cappella degli Afflitti, erected in 1779, remains.
Though subdued, the presence of African descendants is so decisive that the neighborhood’s name pays homage to a black soldier, Chaguinhas, who was hanged in the square that is now Praça da Liberdade.
However, as recalled by the architect Igor Carollo, appointed by the Metropolitan Curia of San Paolo to be responsible for the restoration, “project approval alone is not enough, it is necessary to capture and guarantee the economic conditions for its realisation”.
Last step towards reform
The opinion now depends on the last two routine administrative movements through which requests for restoration pass: the deliberation of the municipal and state collegial conservation.
In general, technical recommendations are accepted, such as the favorable opinion for the restoration of the Capela dos Aflitos. For this reason, those interested in the reform are celebrating the decision, with great possibilities of passing the last bureaucratic scrutiny at the end of the month.
“It is a moment of great euphoria and soon we will be able to start the work, which is our dream”, celebrates Eliz Alves, president of the Associação de Amigos da Capela dos Aflitos (Unamaca).
What does the restoration involve?
The restoration proposal involves the demolition of some elements that are not part of the original architecture. Technically they are called “spurious”.
They compromise the conservation of the Chapel, such as the place for lighting the candles (velary), the awning and the front grille. Internally, the restoration will concern the entire building, such as the altars. Some parts will be redone.
The vigil, fundamental in sacred architecture, was built in 1976. Its addition to the original construction causes damage and fire risks. It should be replaced by reinforced concrete, detached from the structure, allowing for greater visibility and conservation.
“The restoration goes far beyond technical issues, it is a question of safeguarding the last container and physical support of memory which for centuries has been buried by reinforced concrete, bricks and Japanese lanterns”, evaluates Carollo.
Opinion suggestions
The mayor’s opinion makes three recommendations. One is the presentation of the analysis of the mortars used in the original work of Capela dos Aflitos. This will avoid incompatibilities with the materials to be used in the renovation.
A new color proposal should be made for the painting of facades, internal walls, ceilings and window frames. Still not sure about the original tones.
With the reform, the new gate should be compatible with the future project of the Memorial dos Aflitos, which will be built next door. The architectural proposal for the memorial is disputed.
The result, soon to be released, will be another result for the preservation of black memory in Liberdade.
+The best content in your email for free. Choose your favorite Terra newsletter. Click here!
Source: Terra
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
