Centro Histórico

Where São Paulo was born

São Paulo

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The vibe

The historic centre brings together the Pátio do Colégio, where the city was founded, Sé Cathedral, the Municipal Theatre, the Municipal Market and the first skyscrapers. A deep dive into the city’s history, best done by day.

Good to know

At the Municipal Market, try the famous mortadella sandwich, then go up to the Farol Santander lookout for the view.

When to go

Weekdays, during the day.

Getting there

Metro to Sé (Lines 1 and 3) or São Bento (Line 1).

The story

How the neighbourhood came to be

Jesuits founded a school here in 1554, around which São Paulo grew. With coffee wealth, the centre filled in the early 20th century with ambitious buildings: the Municipal Theatre in 1911, the Martinelli Building, the city’s first skyscraper, in 1929, and later Oscar Niemeyer’s Copan.

Did you know?

1Oscar Niemeyer’s Copan Building has its own postcode.
2The Municipal Market, opened in 1933, is decorated with large stained-glass windows.

Want to explore further?

See on the map Plan a day