The cathedral's foundation incorporates 40,000 tons of marble brought specifically for the construction process.
The pipe organ is the largest of its kind in South America.
The crypt houses the remains of Bartholomew I, the first bishop of the city, relocated from the original colonial-era cathedral.
The building was designed to accommodate up to 8,000 people simultaneously.
The carillon contains 61 bells, originally cast in the Netherlands.
The architectural design mixes neo-gothic structural elements with a dome influenced by the Florence Cathedral.
The Sé Metropolitan Cathedral serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of São Paulo and is one of the largest neo-gothic cathedrals in the world. Designed by German architect Maximilian Hehl, construction began in 1913 and was not officially inaugurated until 1954 to mark the city's 400th anniversary. The structure features a Renaissance-inspired dome and two towers standing 92 meters high. Its interior houses a pipe organ built by the Italian firm Balbiani & Rossi, which contains 10,000 pipes. Beneath the main altar lies a crypt containing the tombs of various bishops and historical figures, including the indigenous chief Tibiriçá. The building utilizes over 800 tons of marble and granite in its construction. Stained glass windows decorate the nave, depicting themes related to Brazilian religious history. It remains an active religious site for daily mass and liturgical services.
From the center of the Praça da Sé steps for a full-frontal symmetrical shot of the facade.
Visit during a weekday morning to avoid the heavy weekend crowds and pedestrian traffic in the square.
Always keep your bag in front of you and maintain awareness of your surroundings while in the square.
Join a guided tour of the crypt to see the historical tombs and architectural foundation.
Avoid walking through the surrounding Praça da Sé after dark or in sparsely populated areas due to petty theft risks. Do not engage with individuals offering unsolicited 'blessings' or bracelets.
Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees should be covered. Refrain from loud conversation and photography during ongoing religious services.
