São Paulo: five places you must visit
São Paulo turned 469. Brazil's largest city is home to more than 12.33 million people. In honour of the birthday of the capital of the state of the same name, here are five tourist spots that every tourist should know about.
Beco do Batman
One of the most visited tourist spots in São Paulo is Béco do Batman, the area around Rua Gonçalo Afonso and Rua Medeiros de Albuquerque, known for its graffiti painted walls. It is located in Vila Madalena, an area considered to be something of a stronghold for artists and intellectuals.
Pico do Jaraguá
It is the highest point in the entire capital, São Paulo, at 1,135 metres above sea level. From the top of the peak you can see the western part of the metropolis. In its vicinity, the Jaragua State Park was created to preserve the area. The site is located in the district of Jaragua do Sul, west of the Serra da Cantareira.
Sampa Sky
The newest tourist attraction in Brazil's main city, offering a unique opportunity to admire the city from a height of 150 metres and, best of all, from two glass decks. Sampa Sky is located in Miranti do Vali, on the 42nd floor of the tallest building in São Paulo.
Estádio do Pacaembu (Pacaembu Stadium)
The Paolo Machado de Carvalho Municipal Stadium, inaugurated on 27 April 1940, was at the time considered the largest and most modern stadium in South America and had a seating capacity of 70,000. The ceremony was attended by the then Mayor Prestes Maia and President Getúlio Vargas.
The stadium hosted the 1950 World Cup. In 1994 it was declared a historical heritage site in São Paulo. Pacaembu is currently undergoing a major renovation, but the football museum is still operating. The stadium is located on Charles Muller Square.
São Paulo Art Museum
The Assis Chateaubriand Art Museum collection in São Paulo, better known as MASP, was inaugurated in 1947 by Assis Chateaubriand and Pietro Maria Bardi. It is home to what is believed to be the most important collection in the southern hemisphere.
The building, also known for its over 70 metre span, which runs under four huge columns, is considered a prime example of Brazilian brutalist architecture and is recognised as a historical heritage site by three organisations: IPHAN, CONDEPHAAT and CONPRESP, as reported by TV CULTURA, a partner of TV BRICS.
Photo: istockphoto.com
