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The Mercado de Ferro da Carne, or Meat Market, is comprised of two structures: the first one, a Neoclassical building with two stories and a platband, probably added in 1908; and the second one, an elaborate internal metallic structure introduced in the same year. The main commercial establishments open to the exterior through doors in round arches. On all four sides, a central pane framed with pillars and with a decorated pediment marks the entrances. On the ground floor, a wide door shaped as a round arch is topped by three windows joined by a triangular pediment. The windows on the top floor, intended as storage rooms for the shops, have a straight lintel, in tone with the Classical features of the building's exterior. The works for the introduction of the metallic structure were left in the hands of engineer Francisco Bolonha, who, as usual, became responsible for the enterprise commercial exploitation. Bolonha, who had visited the World Fair of 1900 in Paris, was familiar with and a great admirer of Eiffel's works. Thus we have a demanding buyer selecting pre-cast Art Nouveau iron pieces for the market, from the Scottish factories of Walter MacFarlane. 

The effect achieved through decorative elements in sinuous and/or floral shapes was unprecedented, and surprised the city for its beauty and practicality. The water tower was deemed "a preciousness of architecture"? by the press. The fountain and spouts, one of them drawing drinking water, were also greatly praised, as well as the modern restrooms, pre-cast in metal. There were also "small kitchens and economic cafes"? with iron tables, "Turkish" haberdasheries, tobacconists and stores selling fruit, vegetables and flowers. Pieces of meat were symmetrically displayed, and iron scales were decorated with small sculptures in the shape of ox heads. This market's greatest attraction are the metallic Art Nouveau structures, inside a building with Neoclassical features. In the internal patio, where the pieces of meat are distributed, a main feature is the light and sinuous volume of the helicoidal staircase. External doors, also in metal, are ornamented with Belém's coat of arms.

Based on:

Paper "Churches, Palaces and Mansions of Belém" IPHAN

Authors: Jussara da Silveira Derenji e Jorge Derenji