The building's height and steel structure made it the tallest in São Paulo for nearly two decades after its completion.
It features a 1,119-step staircase that is occasionally used for competitive tower running events.
The building's lighthouse-like top dome is illuminated with LED lights that change color based on the time of year or specific campaigns.
The construction used 20,000 cubic meters of concrete and 2,000 tons of steel.
The interior lobby retains the original Italian marble and bronze fixtures from the 1940s.
It serves as a cultural hub with rotating art exhibits that often focus on Brazilian artists.
The building’s vault is preserved as a museum space where visitors can view old banking equipment and currencies.
The tower's design includes a specific setback aesthetic intended to maximize light penetration into the surrounding streets.
It remains one of the few examples of classic 1940s American-style skyscraper architecture in South America.
The Altino Arantes Building, also known as the Farol Santander, is a 161-meter skyscraper completed in 1947 that remains an iconic landmark of São Paulo's historic downtown. Its design was heavily inspired by the Empire State Building in New York, featuring a distinctive Art Deco style and a stepped-back profile. Historically the headquarters of Banespa bank, the building currently functions as a cultural center, event space, and observation deck. The structure contains 35 floors, including a massive vault that once held the city's gold reserves. Its top-floor observation deck offers 360-degree views of the São Paulo skyline, including the nearby Vale do Anhangabaú. The building is officially listed as a historical heritage site by the state's historical preservation agency, Condephaat. Interior renovations have preserved original marble flooring and period-specific decorative elements. Visitors can access various exhibition spaces showcasing contemporary art, history, and urban planning. The building is located at the corner of Rua João Brícola and Rua Líbero Badaró in the heart of the city's old financial district.
The 26th-floor observation deck provides the most unobstructed panoramic views of the city.
Visit on a clear day to ensure the best visibility from the observation deck, as smog can obscure views.
Check the official schedule online before visiting, as certain floors are frequently closed for private events.
Combine your visit with a walking tour of the nearby historic downtown center.
Do not attempt to walk through the surrounding downtown streets late at night when most shops are closed and foot traffic thins.
Closed on Mondays for general maintenance and cleaning.
Business casual dress is recommended; photography is allowed, but tripods often require prior authorization.
