Designed by Brazilian-German architect Franz Heep, the Italian Building (Edifício Itália)—also known by its official name, the Circolo Italiano—is one of São Paulo’s most recognizable landmarks. Narrow and covered in windows, the 46-story building is only second in stature in the city to the Mirante do Vale Building. Though the Italian Building primarily contains offices, it also offers lofty perches for visitors seeking some of São Paulo’s best views: the rooftop observation deck, accessible on weekdays, as well as the Terraço Italia (on the 41st and 42nd floors), which features both a bar and a swanky Italian restaurant.
As one of São Paulo’s top landmarks, the Italian Building is a popular stop on a range of sightseeing itineraries, from walking tours to helicopter flights over the city.
Viewing decks at the Italian Building are open from mid-afternoon to early evening; you can reserve a ticket online for about $10.
There’s an art gallery on its ground floor, showcasing an array of temporary exhibitions.
The structure has 19 elevators, and is accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
If you plan to dine at the Terraço Italia restaurant, prepare for an enjoyable if expensive meal—it’s worth dressing up to match the elegant feel of the space.
The Italian Building is located at Avenue Ipiranga, 344 in São Paulo’s downtown, or Centro, area. It can be reached by taking line 3 or 4 to the República Mêtro station. Other options include taxi, rideshare service, and a number of local buses.
If you plan to visit the Italian Building’s viewing deck, time your visit for weekdays, when it’s open for a few hours from late afternoon to early evening. The Terraço Itália bar and restaurant, meanwhile, is open every day, with various opening and dining hours across its bar and individual dining rooms.
In addition to the Italian Building, São Paulo is home to a wealth of architectural landmarks. Other highlights include the Copan Building (Edifício Copan), designed by Oscar Niemeyer; the baroque Municipal Theatre of São Paulo; and the MASP (Museu de Arte de São Paulo), housed in a striking, modernist building.
