
As well as plenty of natural beauty, São Paulo also has several concrete beauties that have become trademarks of the city. So, here are some iconic buildings that are the face of SP, many with emblematic and distinctive architecture. Check them out!
Iconic buildings of SP: 10 constructions that are the face of the capital
Altino Arantes Building
Today nicknamed Santander Lighthouse the former Banespão is the fifth tallest skyscraper in São Paulo, at over 160 meters. It opened in 1947, after eight years of construction.
The original project was designed by Plínio Botelho do Amaral and adapted by the construction company Camargo & Mesquita to look more like the Empire State Building in New York. So if you always thought it had a New York “feel”, any resemblance is no coincidence!
📍 Rua João Brícola, 24 – Historic Center
Former Hilton Hotel
The famous cylindrical building on Avenida Ipiranga opened in 1971, with 34 floors and a height of 104 meters. Until 2004, it housed one of São Paulo’s most luxurious hotels, the Hilton, which later moved to the Morumbi neighborhood.
The project was designed by Mário Bardelli, with gardens by Roberto Burle Marx and a swimming pool by Oscar Niemeyer. Since 2007, the iconic building has undergone a renovation and has housed the offices of judges.
📍 Avenida Ipiranga, 165 – República
Copan
The Copan is just opposite the old Hilton and is another of SP’s most iconic buildings that has become a symbol of the city. The building, which was Oscar Niemeyer’s main project in São Paulo, has 38 floors and 600 apartments.
In addition, the commercial area on the first floor has 72 stores, including beloved bars such as Fel and Dona Onça.
📍 Avenida Ipiranga, 200 – República
CCBB
The building has been standing since 1901, but at first it had a very different function to the one it has today. In its early days, it was a residential townhouse on the upper floors, with shops on the first floor.
In 1923, it became the property of Banco do Brasil, which carried out a general renovation and transformed the building into a bank branch. It remained so until 1996, when it underwent a new revitalization that transformed it into our beloved Banco do Brasil Cultural Centre.
Today, in addition to various exhibition spaces, the building has an auditorium, cinema, theater, cafeteria, bookstore and store.
📍 Rua Álvares Penteado, 112 – Historic Center
Italy Building
The fourth tallest building in São Paulo, the Circolo Italiano has 46 floors and is next door to Copan. Popularly known as the Italia Building, it was inaugurated in 1965 by the German architect Franz Heep.
The building’s numbers are impressive: there are 4,000 windows on the façade, totaling 6,000 square meters of glass. Another curiosity is that its 41st floor houses the Terrace Italia one of the city’s most traditional Italian restaurants.
📍 Avenida Ipiranga, 344 – República
Conjunto Nacional
Conjunto Nacional has been standing since 1956, with the signature of David Libeskind, an architect from Minas Gerais, Paraná. At the time, it was one of the only large buildings on Avenida Paulista, which until then had been a predominantly residential area.
The complex brings together various types of businesses and services: drugstores, clothing stores, an ice cream parlor, a bookstore, a gym and the Cine Marquise.
📍 Avenida Paulista, 2073 – Consolação
Hotel Unique
Built in 2003, the Hotel Unique is the youngest building on this list. The project by architect Ruy Ohtake stands out for its rather peculiar shape, reminiscent of a boat (or a slice of watermelon, if you prefer).
The hotel offers luxurious and unforgettable accommodation with incredible views of the capital. But if you can’t stay there, don’t worry. After all, you can still get to know the iconic building by visiting Skye, the cool bar on the terrace.
📍 Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 4700 – Jardim Paulista
Martinelli Building
Opened in 1929, the Martinelli was São Paulo’s first large building, with 30 floors. At the time , the construction frightened many people, who thought it was impossible for such a tall building to remain standing.
Today, as well as housing some government agencies, it also hosts guided tours and even rooftop parties!
📍 Rua São Bento, 405 – Historic Center
Matarazzo Building
Inaugurated in 1939, the building was designed to serve as the headquarters of the Matarazzo industries. In the 1970s, the building passed into the hands of Banco Banespa, which turned the place into one of its branches, earning it the nickname “Banespinha”.
Later, in 2004, it passed to São Paulo City Hall, which ended up making it its headquarters. The space has free guided tours, giving people the chance to get to know one of the capital’s most iconic buildings in minute detail.
📍 Viaduto do Chá, 15 – Centro
Banco de São Paulo Building
Finally, this building was built between 1935 and 1938 and served for many years as the headquarters of the former Banco de São Paulo. Until, in the 1970s, Banespa bought the institution and the building became public property.
It currently houses the Secretariat for Sports, Leisure and Youth. Experts consider it the best example of Art Deco in São Paulo, due to its luxurious and ornate architecture.
📍 Rua 15 de Novembro, 347 – Centro