Palácio José Bonifácio

About an hour southeast of São Paulo is Santos, among the busiest ports in South America. The seat of its city hall is the Palácio José Bonifácio, named for one of Brazil’s most diversely talented and consequential characters.

Born in Santos, José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva left home to secure degrees in law and philosophy in Portugal. He then traveled through Europe pursuing his passion for mining and mineralogy, developing a reputation as a boss naturalist. After returning home, he persuaded the prince to declare independence and went on to become minister of the interior and foreign affairs. Bonifácio significantly influenced the early Brazilian government—even drafting their first constitution.

A polyglot, he spoke Latin, Greek, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese fluently. He continued his work as a foremost naturalist, geologist, and botanist, taught those subjects, dabbled in astronomy, and wrote both poetry and public policy. He eventually retired on an island off Rio, along with his collection of volcanic minerals.

Though his face appears on the Brazilian 500 mil reis banknote, many argue Bonifácio has been denied the credit he deserves for his role in liberating Brazil. But buildings such as this one are doing their best to honor a de facto founding father—who played an immense role in freeing  the country, re-envisioning its structure, and knowing all about its rocks.

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