Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Manaus (AM): história, patrimônio e significância cultural

Abstract

The Santa Casa de Misericórdia of Manaus / AM is one of the oldest public hospitals in Amazonas and its assistance and health activities are linked to the long tradition of the Misericórdias. His building is part of an area recognized as a Brazilian cultural heritage and a representative example of the historical period of rubber and eclectic architecture. After 140 years of providing health and charity services, the Santa Casa de Manaus has closed its doors in the midst of a serious financial crisis and its building has gradually suffered damage caused by abandonment, lack of maintenance and, subsequently, depredations. Through its patrimonial character and its important contribution in the history of the city, this work aims to contribute to the identification of the values denominated to its building for the understanding of its significant cultural understanding. From documentary and bibliographic research, from the ethnographic research method and from the application of the perception form, the existence of complementary and contrasting values, which when articulated, confer a high degree of significance at Santa Casa de Misericórdia architectural complex the key element for a composition of its meaning. In this way, a preliminary model of declaration of significance of faith elaborated, to contribute to the conservation actions that maintain their meaning and that can guide public policies for the management of this cultural heritage.