Serra do Navio Historic Village

Vila Serra do Navio began as a company town linked to Icomi’s manganese mining. Architect Oswaldo Arthur Bratke designed a planned settlement in the Amazon rainforest, combining housing with educational, health and leisure facilities. Iphan recognised its cultural value through heritage listing in 2010.

While walking, observe how houses and the spaces between them respond to the climate: ventilation features, gardens and building placement reveal design choices. Preservation studies also highlight the challenges of moving from company administration to a town facing new public and residential needs.

This heritage tells an architectural story and the histories of workers and families who experienced the mining cycle. Listening to their memories adds depth, rather than treating the settlement as an empty backdrop. Respect occupied homes and check which buildings allow interior visits; heritage listing does not turn private properties into freely accessible spaces.