Sao Paulo State in Brazil |
SAO PAULO
Sao Paulo, the capital of Brazil, is located in the state of Sao Paulo with the same name. The city is of great importance as it is one of the leading industrial centers of Latin America. Sao Paulo is located 50 km away from the port of Santos on the Atlantic Ocean. It is listed as the largest city in the southern hemisphere and one of the largest conurbations in the world. As coffee exports became one of Brazil's leading economic assets in the late 19th century, Sao Paulo became an important center of economic activity and development for the country. This situation is one of the most important factors causing the city's population to gradually increase. As Latin America's leading industrial center, it produces a wide range of consumer goods, including steel, motor vehicles, machine tools, textiles and household appliances.
Information about Sao Paulo is not limited to the industrialization process. There are various buildings and skyscrapers designed in different styles in the city, and these structures depict Brazilian architecture and economic rise. These structures with glass towers, metal cladding, impressive granite and marble appearance, bring with them city views that are very enjoyable to watch. The city's historical structure, magnificent cathedrals, delicious coffees and, in short, everything about Sao Paulo attracts the appreciation of visitors.
History of Sao Paulo
The establishment of Sao Paulo, Brazil's first plateau settlement, took place in 1554 when Portuguese Jesuit priests established a missionary school called Pátio de Colégio. By the 17th century, the city; Indian slaves were used as an exploration base to search for gold, silver and diamonds. In this process, Portuguese explorers expanded the country's borders to the final state of today's Brazil. Sao Paulo, which gained city status in 1711, continued its existence as an agricultural town rather than a prosperous settlement in its early years.
On September 7, 1822, the Portuguese Dom Pedro Sao declared the independence of Brazil in the Ipiranga Plain in Paulo. As coffee became the country's main export product, the city began to transform from an isolated rural area into an agricultural centre. (alert-success)
As a result of increasing ethnic diversity, the city has reached a multinational structure consisting of Italians, Portuguese, Spanish, Germans, Eastern Europeans and Japanese. By the 1900s, the monumental Luz railway station was completed with British design and materials, and new plazas were built as well as Prado Square. Mario de Andrade Municipal Library, named after Mario de Andrade, one of the founders of Brazilian modernism, was established in 1925 in an Art Deco building, which is considered one of the modernist symbols of the city in terms of art history. The modernization trend continued with the metro infrastructures, the construction of which began in the late 1960s.
The First Things That Come to Mind When Sao Paulo Is Mentioned
Sao Paulo has a unique urban texture with its original wide streets and modern-looking, uniquely designed skyscrapers. The city center is surrounded by squares and parks, all within walking distance of each other. During the walk, the Gothic Sao Paulo Cathedral stands out with its majestic towers. The cathedral is the largest church in Sao Paulo with the capacity to host 8000 people. The magnificent marble designs and colorful stained glass windows are the most notable features of the cathedral. On the walls, carved coffee beans, plant and animal drawings, which are the most distinctive features of Sao Paulo, are depicted.
Taking a walk on Avenida Paulista, one of the symbolic buildings of the city known for its diverse shops and colorful street life, is a unique experience. The city is the scene of many important events and hosts New Year's celebrations. Sao Paulo Art Museum located on Avenida Paulista; It is a frequent destination for art lovers as it exhibits the collections of artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, Picasso and Degas.
For those tired of concrete buildings, Iberapuera Park offers a relaxing escape from the lively streets and tall buildings of Sao Paulo. Iberapuera Park also hosts the Museum of Modern Art, planetarium and exhibition fairs.
Advice for Those Going to Sao Paulo
The first stop of visitors to this lively city is the top point of Edificio Italia, which offers panoramic views of the city. Edificio Italia, which has a breathtaking view of Sao Paulo, is one of the tallest buildings in the city with its 46-storey structure and is a very popular skyscraper for tourists due to its observation deck, famous Italian restaurant, theater and opera halls. Cultural and touristic events are held in Sala Sao Paulo, located on the 41st Floor.
Sao Paulo is famous for having numerous parks, plazas and playgrounds. The most interesting of these is the Sao Paulo Zoo, which opened in 1958. This place, which has the title of being one of the largest zoos in the world, offers a completely natural habitat for animals. The area, which houses endemic creatures such as howler monkeys and red-breasted toucans, has served as a sheltered home for more than 3000 animals. In 2001, a new section called Zoo Safari was added next to the zoo. With this section, safari tours where the natural habitats of animals in the forest can be seen have started to be organized. This event, which offers a very enjoyable experience for visitors, is definitely among the must-try events.
Things to Buy When Going to Sao Paulo
There are some points that those who want to visit Sao Paulo should consider.
- The first of these is the mosquito problem, which increases significantly in November and March. This fact, which visitors should definitely not forget, can be solved without any problems if precautions are taken. For this, travelers must carry a fly repellent containing picaridin with them.
- Carrying sunglasses and hats with them during the trip will ensure that tourists have a more enjoyable time. It is also recommended to bring an umbrella in case of rain between April and October.
- It is also recommended that those traveling between these months bring raincoats and thin jackets with them.
- Tourists who plan to attend the Sao Paulo Carnival, the second largest carnival in Brazil, should not forget to bring flashy and lively clothes with them.
- It would be appropriate for those who want to spend New Year's Eve in Sao Paulo to bring clothes that are predominantly red, in line with the New Year concept.
Interesting Facts About Sao Paulo
The gym, built in 2011, was instrumental in the establishment of the Brazilian National Sumo Wrestlers team for the 2016 Olympics. (alert-success)
Sao Paulo Municipal Market is one of the few public markets in the world. The market designed by architect Francisco Ramos de Azevedo; It opened on January 25, 1933 as a wholesale and retail outlet featuring fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, spices and other food products. The building is in an eclectic style; It attracts attention with its columns, vaults and stained glass. Ibirapuera Park is one of the focal points of the city with its area of 158 hectares. Welcoming 15 million visitors annually, Ibirapuera is the most visited park in South America.