São Paulo Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and Saint Paul, known as the Se Cathedral, stands in the Praca da Se at the symbolic center of Sao Paulo, the point from which distances in the city are measured. Built between 1913 and 1954 to replace an earlier colonial church, it is one of the largest Neo-Gothic structures in the world.
Its twin spires rise some 92 meters above the bustling downtown, while a large Renaissance-style dome, an unusual touch for a Gothic church, caps the crossing. The cavernous interior holds five naves, capitals carved with Brazilian motifs such as coffee beans and pineapples, and a crypt beneath the altar containing tombs of bishops and historic figures, including the indigenous chief Tibirica.
Seat of the Archdiocese of Sao Paulo and a major civic landmark, the cathedral has been a stage for pivotal moments in Brazilian history, including rallies during the struggle for democracy. It remains an active place of worship at the heart of one of the largest cities in the world, drawing both the faithful and curious visitors to its monumental nave.
- Location
- -23.5512, -46.6343
- Local time
- 19:35 (America/Sao_Paulo)
🕘 Visiting hours
| Mon–Fri | 08:00–19:00 |
| Sat | 08:00–17:00 |
| Sun | 08:00–18:00 |
Free admission; Sundays mainly reserved for Mass. Approximate weekend window.
✨ Saints & blessed venerated here
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Our Lady of the Assumption Saint
Co-patron to whom the cathedral is dedicated
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Saint Paul the Apostle Saint
Co-patron and namesake; depicted in a side-altar mosaic and among the apostle statues
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Saint John the Baptist Saint
Sculpted in the central area of the main facade
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Saint Jerome Saint
Depicted in marble sculptures by Francisco Leopoldo e Silva in the crypt
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Saint Augustine Saint
One of the Church Fathers carved on the main facade
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Saint Ambrose Saint
One of the Church Fathers sculpted on the main facade
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Saint John Chrysostom Saint
One of the Eastern Church Fathers depicted in the facade sculptures
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Saint Gregory of Nazianzus Saint
One of the Church Fathers represented in the facade statuary
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Saint Matthew the Evangelist Saint
Depicted among the Evangelists in the central facade sculptures
Care & donations
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of São Paulo
Accepts donations; free entry to the cathedral
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