Catedral da Sé

Dominating the Praça da Sé is the Catedral da Sé (Praça da Sé, Centro, tel. 11/3107-6832, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 8–5, Sat., 8 a.m.–1 p.m. and 3–6 p.m. Sun., free, crypt R$4). São Paulo [1]’s main cathedral, this imposing mid-20th-century neo-gothic building is large enough to hold 8,000 people.

Architecturally, the church is not very compelling. However, the sculpted columns inside are unusual in that, along with the usual saints and angels, they feature tropical elements such as coffee beans, exotic fruits, toucans, and armadillos.