Architecture of São Paulo

Since there aren't any major tourist attractions, let's take a moment to enjoy São Paulo's architecture.

Before we begin our tour, let's go over some practical tips.

BEFORE YOU START….

The lines to buy subway tickets can get incredibly long, especially during rush hour; it's best to buy a Billete Único as soon as you arrive (a typical rechargeable card) or purchase several tickets at once

The best place to eat is where the locals go: the “per kilo” restaurants. Found all over Brazil, you can fill your plate with as much food as you want; they weigh it, and you pay accordingly. Very cheap and very good 😊

THE VISIT

Let's explore the architecture of São Paulo, from its origins to the most modern examples.

Historic São Paulo has been swallowed up by a maze of modern avenues and towering skyscrapers, but something has survived this “progress”

Of the few things that remain is the very origin of the city: the Pateo do Collegio

In 1554, two Jesuits—one Spanish and one Portuguese—founded the city of São Paulo on a small hill surrounded by two rivers.

They quickly built a church and a school to educate the indigenous people; today, it has been turned into a museum. Admission is 6 R$, and it’s more of a museum of religious art than one about the city’s origins—a bit boring…

Well, if you want to know more: https://www.pateodocollegio.com.br

Very close to the previous one is the Solar do Marquesa, another historic building that has been converted into a museum and exhibition hall. It’s pretty lackluster—it’s all about the former owner’s self-promotion—but at least it’s free…

Despite its historical ups and downs, São Paulo—fueled by coffee prices and massive immigration (the metropolitan area is home to 22 million people, making it the largest city in the Southern Hemisphere)—continued to grow and grow…

European immigrants quickly became wealthy and made their presence felt, especially in the city center.

A good example is el Edificio Martinelli.

Giuseppe Martinelli arrived in São Paulo in 1889 on a cargo ship and, by the end of his life, had amassed a great fortune. He wanted to leave behind for posterity the tallest building in the city—at that time, there were no buildings taller than five stories—and he spared no expense.

Today it's a government building with free admission, and it seems you can go up to the rooftop for a panoramic view (tickets and info at http://www.prediomartinelli.com.br )

More on European influence in São Paulo: la Catedral

A German architect, construction materials imported from Europe, and Byzantine-inspired mosaics made in Ravenna

From the Germans, we move on to the French: el Teatro Municipal It was built to resemble one in Paris…. There are free guided tours in English, or you can sneak in and take a look inside, at the entrance hall

And from action to reaction. Once the local, native bourgeoisie becomes established and grows wealthy, it begins to reject the excessive European influence.

The first “rebellion” took place right at the theater’s opening: the first play scheduled to be performed was *Hamlet*, but under pressure from São Paulo’s civil society, it was replaced with another play by a Brazilian author.

Its official website https://theatromunicipal.org.br/es/

This trend has continued to the present day, for example in the Museo de Arte de Sao Paolo (MASP).

A group of Brazilian artists was tasked with designing the inaugural exhibition in 1969, titled “The Hand of the Brazilian People,” which consisted entirely of indigenous art. It was so successful that it became a permanent exhibition.

The museum costs only 30 R$ and is the best one I saw during my short stay in Brazil: Picasso, Velázquez, and many others… It’s a small museum but very, very good—this is definitely a must-see in São Paulo.

If you'd like to check out their exhibitions: https://masp.org.br

Decolonization is also making its way into the kitchen.

If you're looking to treat yourself and try some local cuisine, stop by el Mercado Municipal.

It's expensive and seems geared more toward tourists than locals, but the food is excellent… Be sure to try the mortadella sandwich—it's huge and only suitable for those with the biggest appetites.

Although I didn't think I was in a particularly dangerous neighborhood—there are lots of people around during the day—we were advised to be somewhat careful with our cell phones and such… just so you know.

But while São Paulo might be a little boring during the day, things change at night. Put on your best outfit and head to the neighborhood of Villa Madalena. Chic cafes, beer halls, and, of course, the best—and most expensive— cachaça.

It's fermented sugarcane juice, and you've probably tasted it a thousand times without realizing it, because that's what caipirinhas are made with.

Along the incredibly long Rua Aspicuelta, restaurants and truly posh pubs line the street, guarded by the typical bouncer on steroids and the young, beautiful, and ruthless Brazilian woman with her fearsome guest list—if you’re not on the list, you’re not getting in…

Bueno, pues esto dio de sí un día recorriendo la arquitectura de Sao Paulo 🙂

Well, if you want to know more: https://999millas.net/category/paises/brasil/

And, as always, whether you loved or hated this post, let me know in the comments!! 🙂

Texto y fotos : Mike !