São Paulo Cathedral (Catedral da Sé)

São Paulo, SP, Brazil

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The São Paulo Cathedral (Catedral da Sé) is a towering neo-Gothic masterpiece and the spiritual heart of Brazil’s largest city. Located in Praça da Sé, the historic center of São Paulo, this monumental church is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese and one of the largest churches in Latin America, capable of holding up to 8,000 people.

Construction of the current cathedral began in 1913, based on designs by German architect Maximilian Emil Hehl, and was completed in 1967 after decades of delays due to wars and funding challenges. While its soaring spires and pointed arches reflect classic Gothic Revival style, the cathedral’s Renaissance-style dome adds a unique Brazilian twist.

Intricate carvings throughout the structure incorporate native flora, fauna, and even coffee beans — a nod to the region’s agricultural heritage. Inside, visitors are greeted by a majestic marble interior, vibrant stained-glass windows, and a crypt beneath the altar that houses the tombs of bishops and historical figures, including Tibiriçá, the indigenous chief who welcomed the Jesuits to the area.

Daily Masses and guided tours offer both spiritual and cultural insights.