Completed in 1934, this was São Paulo's first skyscraper and briefly the tallest building in Latin America, built by Italian immigrant Giuseppe Martinelli in a mix of styles that reflects its long, improvised construction. It's still a working office and residential building in the Centro district, but guided tours take visitors up to a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the older, denser part of downtown São Paulo. The building's mixed-use history, including a period of near-abandonment before restoration, gives the tour a strong sense of the city's changing fortunes.
Edifício Martinelli, completed in 1929, was Brazil's first skyscraper and remained South America's tallest building for over a decade, its eclectic tower rising above Centro Histórico's older colonial-era streets in a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Deco detailing. Built by Italian immigrant Giuseppe Martinelli, the tower's upper floors include a small penthouse garden and terrace originally used by Martinelli himself, now the endpoint of the free guided rooftop tour. The tour climbs through sections of the building's early-20th-century structure, including views of the original elevators and stairwells, before reaching the open-air terrace with 360-degree views over Centro Histórico's rooftops and church towers. A tour session takes about 45 minutes. Because tours run only on Tuesdays with six fixed sessions, advance booking is essential and slots fill quickly. The terrace at the top offers the best photo vantage point, particularly toward Catedral da Sé and the surrounding downtown skyline.
| Admission | Adult Free (guided tour, advance booking required) · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Guided rooftop tours Tuesdays only, six sessions between 12:30PM-5:30PM |
| Typical visit | 45 minutes |
| Best time | afternoon |
| Getting there | Metro São Bento (Line 1-Blue) |
| Address | Avenida São João, 35 (visitor entrance), Centro, São Paulo |
Location
Avenida São João, 35 (visitor entrance), Centro, São Paulo
-23.5455, -46.6349 View on map
Highlights
- Brazil's first skyscraper, completed in 1929
- Rooftop terrace with 360-degree Centro Histórico views
- Eclectic Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Deco detailing
- Original penthouse garden built for Giuseppe Martinelli
- Free guided access through the historic tower structure
Tips for visiting
- Tours run only on Tuesdays with six sessions between 12:30PM and 5:30PM -- book well in advance
- Bring photo ID, which is generally required to register for the tour
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour includes stairs
- The rooftop terrace views are clearest on dry, low-humidity days
- Combine with a walk to nearby Mosteiro São Bento, a short distance away
When to visit
Tuesday afternoon sessions, particularly the earlier ones, offer the clearest light for the rooftop terrace views.
Accessibility
The historic building's tour route includes stairs to reach the upper floors and rooftop, limiting accessibility for wheelchair users.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a tour of Edifício Martinelli take?
A guided rooftop tour session takes approximately 45 minutes.
Is Edifício Martinelli worth it for kids?
Older children interested in architecture and city views tend to enjoy the tour, though it involves stairs and sustained walking.
Is photography allowed on the Edifício Martinelli tour?
Photography is permitted throughout the tour, including on the rooftop terrace.