In a roundabout along Avenida Ana Costa is Praça Independencia. Independence Square hosts the Monument to the Andradas. On top is José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva. This Brazilian statesman is called the Patriarch of Independence for his leadership role in achieving Brazil’s freedom from Portugal in 1822. Andrada then became the Empire of Brazil’s first prime minister. This beautiful tribute created by sculptor Antonio Sartori was erected on the centennial anniversary of the declaration of independence. The ashes of José Bonifácio, along with the remains of his three brothers, are in the Pantheon dos Andradas at Barão do Rio Branco Square in Centro Santos.
