The house was constructed using the 'pau-a-pique' technique, consisting of a wooden lattice filled with mud.
It served as the residence of the Gonzaga family, who were pivotal figures in the early political administration of Caldas Novas.
The structure originally acted as the unofficial social hub for travelers passing through the region before tourism became the primary industry.
The interior displays original agricultural tools used by the area's first settlers before the commercialization of the hot springs.
It is officially recognized as a protected historic heritage site by the municipal government.
Casarão dos Gonzaga is a preserved historic residence built in the early 20th century that serves as the primary cultural and administrative center for the history of Caldas Novas. Constructed in 1912 by Orcalino Ignácio de Sousa, the building functioned as the town's first municipal headquarters and post office. The architecture features traditional adobe walls and original timber framing typical of early regional development in Goiás. It currently houses the Municipal Department of Tourism and Culture, alongside a permanent exhibition of colonial-era artifacts. The interior showcases period-accurate furniture, photographs of the city’s founders, and documentation regarding the discovery of the region's thermal springs. It is one of the few remaining examples of late 19th and early 20th-century residential architecture in the urban center of Caldas Novas. The site acts as a gateway for tourists seeking information on local heritage beyond the city's commercial water parks.
The front facade from the street level, capturing the traditional colonial-style wooden windows and doors.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding historic district to see other preserved regional architecture.
Speak with the on-site staff for insights into the town's development beyond the modern resort landscape.
Check local event calendars as the grounds occasionally host small cultural exhibitions or craft fairs.
Do not expect a large-scale modern museum experience; this is a small-scale, localized heritage center.
Closed on weekends and public holidays.
