Did you know that you can visit the headquarters of São Paulo City Hall for free and see an incredible hanging garden? The Matarazzo Building, also known as the Anhangabaú Palace, is located next to the Chá Viaduct and is one of the most iconic buildings in the city’s historic center.
Inaugurated at the end of the 1930s, the building was designed by Severo e Vilares, with revisions by the Italian architect Marcello Piacentini. Since 2004, it has been the administrative headquarters of City Hall, but its value goes beyond politics: the guided tour opens the door to history, art and breathtaking landscapes.
What to expect on the Matarazzo Building tour?
The tour starts on the first floor, where visitors discover the backstage of the mosaic signed by artist Giulio Rosso. Then the tour goes up to the famous hanging garden, located on the terrace, which houses more than 400 species of plants, as well as a small lake with carp. A true green refuge in the middle of the stone jungle.
From the top, the belvederes reveal a privileged view of the Anhangabaú Valley and other landmarks in the center. Throughout the tour, the guides also tell curious stories about the different uses of the building over the decades and about its marble architecture, which has recently been restored.
How can I take part in this experience?
The tour of the Matarazzo Building is completely free and lasts approximately one hour. There’s no need to book: just show up at the venue on weekends, about fifteen minutes before the tour starts. The tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays, always at 14:30 and 16:30.
To take part, you need to show an identity document. The meeting point is in front of the building itself, at Viaduto do Chá, 18 – Historic Center of São Paulo. So, if you’re looking for a different and free tour of the city center, this is a great option.
