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The largest library in the city and the second largest in the country, named after the modernist artist. With over 3,2 million titles, it distinguishes itself for its collection of 60 thousand rare documents dating back to the 19th century.
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Largo da Memória
The obelisk in this square dates from 1814, which marks São Paulo becoming a city.
This S-shaped building, the largest residential building of Latin America, was projected by famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and was the symbol of the emerging "modern" São Paulo during the 1960s. As the rest of the Historic Center, the building entered a period of decadence, but its inhabitants now have a middle class profile, and it is still one of the most beautiful skyscrapers of the city center.
Theatro Municipal
One of the two traditional addresses for classical music fans. This is where the historic Modern Art Week took place in 1922. The building, designed by Ramos de Azevedo in 1911, is reason enough to justify a visit. It now houses the São Paulo City Symphony Orchestra, the city's lead group in the field. Guided visits need to be booked in advance.
Paróquia Nossa Senhora da Consolação
Built in the neo-gothic style in 1909, when its surroundings were still semi-rural and poor. Contains paintings of Benedito Calixto and Oscar Pereira da Silva.
Viaduto do Chá
Linking R. Barão de Itapetininga to R. Direita. Marks the transition from old to the new part of the center.
The historical part of downtown is known for being unsafe at night, so to compensate for that, local NGOs organize a nocturnal walking tour every Thursday. It is an opportunity to have a different look at some of downtown's most famous sights. Unfortunately, the tour is only given in Portuguese.