São Paulo – Architecture & Landmarks

Visitors to São Paulo will find no lack of unique and breathtaking architectural gems. The metropolis is home to some of South America’s most famous buildings and structures. Although many of the initial development of the city’s architecture was developed in Neo Gothic and Colonial styles, today’s São Paulo has exploded with designs following a Modernist approach.

Much of Brazil’s architecture overall traces its roots back to influences from Europe with a major focus on Portuguese styles. In the 18th century and during the time of the Brazilian Empire, styles and trends followed that of Europe including Neoclassical Baroque and Gothic Revival elements. Brazil itself is home to several globally renown architects, with one of the most respected being Oscar Niemeyer. He is famous for being key in the redevelopment of São Paulo’s city center, with many of the city’s most famous landmarks and buildings designed by him.

It was Niemeyer who redefined the look and feel of São Paulo and Brazil at large, including a goal of stepping away from the traditional European and Portuguese styles that dominated much of the city’s previous developments. From the 1950s onward, his styles became popular and helped redefine the city’s style. This modernist approach took off and was adopted by São Paulo in the development of new buildings, monuments, stadiums and other structures. This modernist style continues to this day, earning Niemeyer the title of Brazil’s most famous architect.

 

 

Landmarks of Interest 

Avenida Paulista

Address: Avenida Paulista, Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Website

 

 

Teatro Municipal (City Theater)

Address: Praça Ramos de Azevedo, s/n, Sé, São Paulo, SP
Phone: + 55 11 3053 2090
Operating Hours:
– Monday 10:00am – 7:00pm
– Tuesday 10:00am – 7:00pm
– Wednesday 10:00am – 7:00pm
– Thursday 10:00am – 7:00pm
– Friday 10:00am – 7:00pm
– Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Cost:  N/A
Website

 

 

Mosteiro de São Bento

Address: Largo de São Bento, s/n, Centro, São Paulo, SP
Phone: +55 11 3328-8799
Operating Hours:
– Monday 6:00am – 6:00pm
– Tuesday 6:00am – 6:00pm
– Wednesday 6:00am – 6:00pm
– Thursday 6:00am – 8:00am; 11:30am – 6:00pm
– Friday 6:00am – 6:00pm
– Saturday 6:00am – 12:00pm; 4:00pm – 6:00pm
– Sunday 6:00am – 12:00pm; 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Admission Cost:  N/A
Website