The Casa do Trem Bélico (Old Arsenal), one of the few old military buildings still left standing in the country and the oldest public building in Santos, is an example of colonial architecture of its day. It is believed to have been built between 1640 and 1646, but records show its existence only from 1734.

The city’s first whipping post was erected here. The building, which was used to store arms and ammunition to protect the then Vila de Santos settlement, became an Army Reserve Training School in 1948.

The name Trem Bélico comes from informal use of the word trem, to mean ‘a variety of objects’.

Top photo: Tadeu Nascimento

The Old Arsenal is the only colonial military building of its type in Brazil, with original 17th-century Portuguese characteristics, and is the oldest building in Santos

Built between 1640 and 1656 as a depository for war items, that is, weapons and equipment to  protect the then Vila de Santos from attacks.

This architectural monument of great historical value, with an area of more than 2,000m², was started in 1836 but finished only 30 years later. It housed the Council Chamber, prison, and police headquarters, and was the stage for the proclamation in 1894 of Brazil’s first and only Municipal Constitution. Constructed from stone and lime, the building is in Brazilian Colonial style.

The Casa da Frontaria Azulejada is one of the most important architectural works in Santos. Built in 1865 as a residence and storehouse for Manoel Joaquim Ferreira Netto, from Portugal, the two-story building became famous for its neo-classical façade, covered in imported Portuguese tiles. The ‘U’-shaped construction opens onto the port.
 
Over the years, the building has been used as an office, a hotel, a cargo warehouse, and finally, as storage for chemical fertilizers. In 1973, it was declared a national heritage site, which served only to allow it to fall into abandon. A few years later, it was declared a Municipal, and State heritage site.

In 1986, when it came under municipal control, it was in ruins, with no roof or upper floor. Restoration of the façade began in 1992, with the main door and tiles restored or renewed. This work, carried out by artist Luís Sarasá, was all done by hand, requiring 7,000 separate pieces. This place belongs to Fundação Arquivo e Memória de Santos since 1995.

Top photo: Anderson Bianchi

Built in the Neo-Gothic style, it is the seat of the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary. Construction of the cathedral began in 1909, it was inaugurated in 1924, but only completed in 1967. On the facade are two images in natural granite, representing Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and, above them, are the figures of the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel, with four evangelists beside them.

On the ground floor of the Valongo Station operates the Estação Bistrô, the first restaurant-school on the Paulista coast.

The original floor, featuring two types of hydraulic tiles, was discovered in 2003 during the property's revitalization works.

Opened to the public on June 5, 2012, the restaurant-school is dedicated to the qualification of young people in a state of social vulnerability in the Food & Beverage sector.

Created through a partnership between the city hall, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Catholic University of Santos (Unisantos), it operates from Tuesday to Saturday, from 12 pm to 3 pm.

Top photo: Tadeu Nascimento

Architecturally rich, with its history marked by a  miracle, the Santuário de Santo Antonio do Valongo, built in 1640, was one of the first churches in the country and the second oldest architectural complex in Santos. Baroque in style, its walls are covered in tiled murals from the 1930s and, on the high altar sits one of the few revolving thrones in the country, with the Holy Trinity on one side and on the other, the  monstrance for Perpetual Adoration.  The Chapel of the Venerable Third Order of Saint Francis, built in 1691, is annexed to the Church, and houses the life-size statue of Saint Francis, in Baroque style, praying before a mystic Christ  with Six Wings.

Top photo: Anderson Bianchi

Installed inside the 19th -century Casarões do Valongo, which were damaged by two fires and then completely rebuilt, the Pelé Museum exhibits shirts, football boots, balls, honors and awards, trophies, a football made of socks and a shoeshine box, among other items from the personal collection of "The Athlete of the 20th Century". There are 2,354 items in all, to be displayed in rotation, according to exhibition theme (the first is "4 Cups and 1 King). In the museum's 4,134 square meters the public can also enjoy audio presentations, films, photos and texts about the history of the "King" As well as this, there is an interactive space where visitors can test their ball skills and even compare them to Pelé's performance.

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Top photo: Francisco Arrais

The Tourist Streetcar ride offers a true voyage back in time via 40 points of historical and cultural interest. With departures from Valongo station – built in 1867 for the first railroad in São Paulo – the electric streetcars from the 19th and 20th centuries travel through the Historic Center, accompanied by a tour guide. 

They are original vehicles, originating in Scotland, Portugal and Italy, making Santos the first Living Streetcar Museum in Latin America. Drivers and conductors wear replicas of the original uniform from the time when the streetcars were the city’s main means of transport. 

Top photo: Carol Fariah

One of the most important architectural works in Santos, the House with Tiled Façade was built in 1865 as a residence and warehouse for Portuguese commander Manoel Joaquim Ferreira Netto (1808-1868).

A cultural space since 2007, hosting exhibitions, benefit events and cultural presentations, it frequently serves as a location for shooting commercials, soap operas, mini-series and short and full-length feature films.