São Paulo Cathedral 🇧🇷

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady Assumption and Saint Paul, commonly known as the See Cathedral (Catedral da Sé), stands as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of São Paulo in Praça da Sé. As the largest Catholic Church in São Paulo, this grand Latin cross structure spans 111 meters long and 46 meters wide, accommodating up to 8,000 people. Although designed primarily in the Neo-Gothic style by German architect Maximilian Emil Hehl, the building features a striking 30-meter-high dome over its crossing inspired by Florence's Renaissance cathedral.

Construction on the current site began in 1913, with its dedication taking place in 1954 to mark the city's 400th anniversary, while its 92-meter twin towers were finalized in 1967. Inside, you will discover a vast five-aisled nave crafted with over 800 tons of rare marble. Look closely at the inner capitals to spot uniquely Brazilian carvings of coffee branches, pineapples, and armadillos.

Descend beneath the main altar to explore a massive crypt featuring marble sculptures and historical tombs, or admire the cathedral's historic features, including one of Latin America's largest organs and a massive 61-bell carillon.

What to see at São Paulo Cathedral

• Neo-Gothic architecture featuring a Renaissance-style dome and 92-meter towers
• Inner marble capitals uniquely sculpted with Brazilian flora and native animals
• Vast underground crypt containing marble sculptures and historic tombs
• 12,000-pipe Balbiani Vegezzi-Bossi organ, one of Latin America's largest
• massive 61-bell carillon cast in the Netherlands, located in the east tower

Visiting tips

Look closely at the sculpted interior column capitals to spot unique Brazilian details like coffee branches, pineapples, and armadillos.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

São Paulo Cathedral is easy to reach on São Paulo’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our São Paulo travel guide.