You don’t have to cross the ocean to experience a fairy tale! That’s because you can visit castles in São Paulo that are real fortresses with European-inspired architecture. And the best part: many of them are open to the public, with free admission.
From Gothic relics in the Serra da Cantareira to medieval structures in the countryside, we’ve listed 10 castles in São Paulo that you can (and should!) visit. What’s more, below you’ll find all the practical information you need to plan your next adventure.
So, whether you’re a lover of history, architecture or just looking for a different trip, take the chance to travel back in time without leaving the state.
Castles in São Paulo to visit: charming routes for a different trip
1. Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary – Caieiras
Despite being a church, it would be impossible not to mention this Gothic “castle” located in the middle of the Serra da Cantareira. After all, the Nossa Senhora do Rosário Basilica impresses with its imposing building and architecture, which is reminiscent of medieval European churches. Because of this, the religious building attracts pilgrims and visitors who come to see its stained glass windows and rich decoration up close.
🎫 Free, no appointment necessary
📅 Monday to Friday: 9.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2.45 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2.45 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:15 a.m. to noon and 2:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
📍 Laramara Road, s/n
2. Scravoni Castle – Caconde
Scravoni Castle is an enchanting refuge in the interior of São Paulo that transports visitors back to the medieval era. Built by Guto Scravoni on the banks of the Rio Pardo, the castle is made of stone and surrounded by the nature of the Serra da Mantiqueira and offers guided tours and picture-perfect scenery.
🎫 R$ 1o
📅 By appointment only
📍 Sítio São Francisco, Usina Velha
4. Vinhais Castle – Vinhedo
Inspired by the castles of the Middle Ages, Castelo dos Vinhais offers guided tours with colonial coffee. It’s an enchanting experience, ideal for a weekend day trip.
🎫 R$100, book in advance
Saturdays: 8am to 12pm
📍 Estrada da Boiada, s/n
5. Castelinho de Pedra – São Paulo
Built over 39 years ago by Estevão Silva da Conceição, the “Brazilian Gaudí”, the Castelinho is a unique work with vertical gardens and artistic details reminiscent of the Catalan style.
🎫 R$30, book by WhatsApp
📅 Every day: 10am to 5pm
📍 Rua Herbert Spencer, 270 – Vila Andrade
6. Castelinho da Rua Apa – São Paulo
Built in 1912, the Castelinho mixes Gothic and Romanesque styles. It is known for its tragic history involving the Guimarães Reis family in the 1930s. It is currently listed as a historical heritage site. It’s also worth checking out the visit schedule, as there are often guided tours of the mansion.
🎫 Free
📅 According to local program
📍 Rua Apa, corner with Avenida São João – Centro
7. Castle of the Heralds of the Gospel – Ubatuba
Another church that became known as a castle. Located on Praia do Pulso, in Ubatuba, the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Church is a spiritual retreat with medieval architecture that impresses with its rich interior details such as hand-painted stained glass windows and artistic works.
🎫 Free
📅 Sundays, at Mass time
📍 Rua Benedita Luiza dos Santos, Estrada da Caçandoca, 1777
8. Furlani Castle – Pederneiras
Inspired by the Trentino Alto Adige region in Italy, the Furlani Castle was built in 1914 by engineer Fausto Furlani with materials imported from Germany and France. Today, the space is not open to the public, but it welcomes photo shoots by appointment.
🎫 On request
📅 By appointment only
📍 Vicinal José Maria Verdini Road
9. The Castle
Inspired by the castles of the 11th century, the space hosts immersive experiences that take those curious about the past on a journey to the Middle Ages. It also offers royal banquets and other themed events on special dates.
🎫 According to the event
📅 Follow the schedule on the official website.
📍 Morro do Saboó Tourist Road, 1601
10. Villa Medieval – São José dos Campos
Finally, this impressive complex with two castles, totaling over 6,000 m² of built area, even includes a room inspired by King Arthur’s Round Table. Designed by Fernando de Mendonça, the space mixes references to the Middle Ages and was once the stage for cultural events, but today it only functions as an event space.
🎫 On request
📅 For closed events only
📍 Bezerra de Menezes Road, 800