The Metropolitan Cathedral, often called the Catedral da Se, is home to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sao Paulo. The current Archbishop is His Eminence, Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer. The building features a Neo-Gothic style and stained glass windows. Construction began on the cathedral in 1913 and completed in 1967. The designer was German architect Emil Hehl.

The cathedral is the largest place of worship in Brazil and one of the largest Gothic style churches in the world. It has one of the largest organs in South America and several artistic renditions of the Virgin Mary. Many bishops and archbishops are buried in the tombs. Two of the most important crypts are the vault of Father Diogo Antônio Feijó and the Chieftan Tibirica. Tibirica helped to welcome the first Jesuits to the Piratininga Plateau and to found the villa of Sao Paulo. Father Feijó was head of state during the infancy of Emperor Pedro.

The current structure is the third version of the cathedral. The first church was in service from 1598 to 1616 until it was demolished for a new building. The second building was in use from 1764 to 1911, and the third place of worship was constructed in 1913. It is 111 meters long and has a seating capacity of 8,000. In 2000, an extensive renovation occurred and was completed in 2002.

São Paulo Stock Exchange is located in the historic district of Sao Paulo. In September 2006, it opened a place for tourists to learn more about the history of this huge Stock Exchange and visit the museum that displays objects used by stock exchange from last century.

Built in 1947, Banespa was modeled after the Empire State Building. For an incredible panoramic view of the city of Sao Paulo, head out to the skyscraper observation deck.

When visiting Sao Paulo, one must make an effort to visit the São Bento Monastery. This monastery features delicious pastries personally baked by the monks. In addition, they offer musical concerts and events, workshops, and perform Gregorian chants at mass daily. The architect was Richard Blend. The interior of the place of worship was designed by D. Adelbert Gresnicht. It is the oldest institution in Sao Paulo.

Although the exterior of the building is fairly simple, the interior of the church is beautifully decorated with woodwork, sculptures, and paintings. A clear German influence can be seen inside of the building. There are no words that can accurately describe just how stunning the cathedral is. One must visit in person to truly understand.

A brunch is held on last Sunday of each month. It is at this feast where the delicious pastries and breads are served, along with a tasty meal. The pastries are very popular with the public. Patrons have the option, while dining, to purchase works of art.

The monastery is conveniently located on 25 de Marco Street, a very popular shopping area and is close to the São Bento subway station. Visitors will also enjoy the monastery shop, where more pastries can be bought, the nearby Bar Salve Jorge, and the Café Girondion.

The world-famous Gregorian chants happen Monday through Friday at 7am, Saturday at 6 am, and Sunday at 10 am. The monastery shop is open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 7:30 am to 12 pm, and Sunday after 10 am.

Viaduto Santa Efigania was opened in 1913 and links Largo de Sao Bento with Santa Ifigenia. Although never proven, it was once rumored to have been built by the famous Gustav Eiffel, creator of the Eiffel Tower. The viaduct was restored in 1978 and in 1982 was painted with the colors of the rainbow.

At 558 feet, the Mirante do Vale is Sao Paulo’s and Brazil’s highest skyscraper and the 15th tallest skyscraper in South America. The 51-story building is home to 146 shops, 812 offices, a heliport, and a restaurant on the 4th floor. The original name of the building was Palacio Zarzur Kogan until 1988.

Mirante do Vale features a modern design style. It was constructed from 1959 to 1960 by architects Waldomiro Zarzur and Aron Kogan and is located in the Vale do Anhangabaú at the cross-section of Prestes Maia Avenue, Pedro Lessa Square, and the Brigadeiro Tobias Street. Many Brazilians do not know much about the building since it is not open to the public. It is also located in a valley which gives the appearance of it not being the tallest building in the country.

From the top floor, one can see most of downtown Sao Paulo, to include the famous Paulista Avenue. The structure is closed for public tours, but access to the top floor can be granted with special permission. Individuals who wish to see an elevated view of the skyscraper can do so from the nearby Altino Arantes Building or the Edifício Itália. Thousands of individuals travel through the building each day.

The official name of Church of St. Ifigenia is Basilica of Our Lady of Conception and St. Iphigenia. Its chapel was built before 1720 and the church is designed more in Neo-Romanesque-Gothic architectural style than the typical old colonial style of other churches in the area. The church belongs to Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

Arts & Crafts Fairs from the Republic Square are famous all over Brazil and abroad. People from all over the country come here every Sunday to buy and sell art-related items.

Edificio Italia is a modern skyscraper with 46 stories that stands 165 meters high. It is very popular skyscraper among tourists of Sao Paulo becuase of its observation floor, theater, opera and Italian restaurants inside the building.

Copan Skyscraper stands 115 meters high and was built in a modernist style by Oscar Niemeyer. Its grand size and popular ground-floor shopping cneter make it a great attraction. The Copan features 1st class apartments for the wealthy as well as studio apartments for the working class, making it home to a large number of Brazilians.