Praca da Republica

Welcome to the Praça da República, a site that serves as a chronological anchor for the city of São Paulo. While its name—the Square of the Republic—was popularized in 1889 following the proclamation of the Brazilian Republic,…

No study of the Praça da República is complete without the Edificio Copan, an architectural marvel designed by the legendary Oscar Niemeyer. Inaugurated in the 1950s, the Copan is easily recognizable by its sinuous, S-shaped form…

Turning our gaze slightly away from the Copan, we encounter two more titans of the São Paulo skyline: the Edificio Martinelli and the Edificio Italia. The Martinelli, finished in 1929, holds the distinction of being the first…

Across from the towering residential blocks sits a more horizontal but no less significant structure: the current headquarters of the State Secretariat of Education. This building, designed by the architect Ramos de Azevedo,…

If your visit coincides with a Sunday, the Praça da República transforms into a vibrant, chaotic, and beautiful tapestry of commerce and culture known as the Feirinha da República. This craft fair has been a staple of the square…

As we continue our exploration, we must address the 'urban paradox' that defines the Praça da República and much of downtown São Paulo. While the skyline is filled with 'absolutely stunning' views and architectural triumphs, the…

Our final stop within the square's perimeter brings us to the Estação República, a major transit hub where the Red and Yellow lines of the São Paulo Metro intersect. This underground world is as busy as the square above, moving…

Our journey through the Praça da República concludes where it began, in the heart of the square. We have traveled from the 16th-century lands of Lieutenant Arouche to the soaring rooftops of the Copan and the Martinelli. …